Oklahoma Sooners football coach Brent Venables’ program made the College Football Playoff field in 2025, but their postseason run was cut short by a 34-24 loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide.
While the season showed promise, the big question remains: Is that success enough to keep Venables off the hot seat heading into 2026? The answer, according to CBS Sports’ Austin Nivison, is yes—but with conditions.
The Red River Rivalry and its Impact on Venables’ Future
One of the key factors determining Venables’ future in Norman will be how his team performs in the Red River Rivalry against the Texas Longhorns. Despite making the College Football Playoff, Venables’ record against his biggest rival, Texas, is concerning.
Currently, he holds a 1-3 record in the rivalry, with last year’s 23-6 loss being particularly painful for the Sooners. In that game, Oklahoma’s offense managed only six points, with quarterback John Mateer still recovering from a hand injury and not playing at full strength.
Nivison highlights that a fourth loss in five tries against Texas could signal the beginning of the end for Venables in Oklahoma. “Beating your rival is a non-negotiable in college football, and he hasn’t done that often enough,” Nivison writes. If Venables’ team struggles again in the Red River Rivalry this fall, it could significantly increase the pressure on him.
Challenges Facing Venables and Oklahoma in 2026
The 2025 season showed some positive signs for Venables’ team, but there were also significant challenges that could make the 2026 season even tougher for the Sooners. In particular, Texas has dramatically improved offensively, while Oklahoma lost several key defenders.
Texas bolstered its offense with key portal additions, including wide receiver Cam Coleman, running backs Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown, and tight end Michael Masunas.
These additions will make the Longhorns’ offense even more dangerous. Meanwhile, Oklahoma will be dealing with the losses of standout EDGE rusher Mason Thomas and defensive tackles Gracen Halton and Damonic Williams, weakening the Sooner defense.
Despite these obstacles, Nivison points out that “one game doesn’t define a season.” There’s still hope for Oklahoma, especially with the unpredictable nature of college football. If Venables and the Sooners can pull off a much-needed victory over Texas on October 10, 2026, at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, it would not only boost their season but also strengthen Venables’ job security.
Venables’ Pressure to Deliver a Signature Win
The Sooner faithful are hoping that 2026 could be the year that Venables secures his first signature win over Texas in four years. With the season expectations not centered around winning the national championship, securing a victory in the Red River Rivalry could be a defining moment for the Oklahoma program and for Venables himself. It’s clear that for Venables to keep his job and quiet the growing criticism, winning against Texas is a must.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Venables and Oklahoma
Brent Venables’ time at Oklahoma could hinge on the outcome of the Red River Rivalry and how his team performs in 2026. With significant challenges ahead, including a strengthened Texas team and defensive losses for Oklahoma, Venables’ ability to lead his team to victory in that crucial game could make all the difference.
If Oklahoma fails to make progress, especially against its biggest rival, the pressure on Venables will only intensify. For now, his future at Oklahoma remains uncertain, but the 2026 season may ultimately decide his fate.
