The Oklahoma Sooners’ debut season in the SEC ended with a thud, and the Armed Forces Bowl might just be the sour cherry on top of a forgettable year. After a rollercoaster 6-6 season, the Sooners looked poised to close it out on a high note, holding a 14-0 lead over Navy. But what started as a promising evening turned into a nightmare. The Midshipmen retaliated, with quarterback Blake Horvath counter-striking 95 yards for a jaw-dropping touchdown and flipping the momentum. Still, Oklahoma clawed back late, but Brent Venables, that one decision soon turned into a gossip point for the Sooners.

With a 10-yard Michael Hawkins Jr. dart of a throw for a TD pass, they had an option. Playing a hero and not safe for an extra point to take it to overtime, instead, he set up a two-point conversion for the win. It was all or nothing—and it ended with nothing. The Sooners fell 20-21, leaving fans in disbelief. And boy, did fans let Brent Venables hear it. The X timeline lit up like a Fourth of July fireworks show, with hashtags popping up alongside calls for change. Comments ranged from “Navy might have ended the Brent Venables era…” to “So y’all ready to have that conversation about Brent Venables yet? Make OU great again. #OUDNA” It’s clear patience is running thin in Norman.

In his third season as the head coach Brent Venables led boys’ loss capped off a season that saw Oklahoma stumble through its SEC debut. While rival coach Sark and Texas celebrated an appearance in the SEC Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff. The Sooners fans are stuck watching their team compete in the Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth. While no offense, it’s certainly a special bowl game because of its meaning and the honor of playing against Navy. Let’s be real in saying that’s still not the standard set, symbolizing everything that has gone wrong for Oklahoma under Venables.

To make matters worse, Oklahoma’s struggles have been amplified by the success of their biggest rival. Texas’ run to the playoff and now in the quarterfinals is a stark reminder of what the Sooners could and should be achieving. Watching the Longhorns thrive while Oklahoma falters has only fueled the frustration in Norman.

Although Brent Venables, with his hefty $44 million buyout, makes an immediate firing unlikely, the writing is on the wall. If things don’t improve dramatically in 2025, Oklahoma may have no choice but to move on. The program’s prestige demands results, and patience is running thin.

Floodgates have opened against Brent Venables

Sooner fans weren’t happy after losing to Navy. Social media exploded with criticism, with hashtags calling for Venables’ dismissal trending shortly after the game. One fan’s comment captured the sentiment perfectly, “Navy might have ended the Brent Venables era.” It’s a bold statement but one that reflects the growing discontent among Oklahoma supporters.

Another fan posed the question that’s on everyone’s mind, “So y’all ready to have that conversation about Brent Venables yet? Make OU great again. #OUDNA.” This comment underscores the nostalgia for the program’s glory days and the belief that the former Kansas State LB isn’t the coach to bring them back.

Criticism wasn’t limited to the head coach. One fan highlighted broader issues within the program, “A year ago we watched Jackson Arnold and Seth Litrell look awful in the bowl game. One year later the offense is worse, and so is the defense. Brent Venables has this program going in the wrong direction with our hopes resting on a 29-year-old OC and a transfer QB. #Sooners.” The comment paints a grim picture of the program’s trajectory, emphasizing the lack of progress and questionable leadership.

Then, there was the simplest and most direct critique, “FIRE BRENT VENABLES!” Sometimes, less is more, and this blunt demand reflects the anger and impatience of a fanbase that’s tired of mediocrity. The “U” fans find themselves at a crossroads. Venables’ tenure has yet to produce the results expected of a program with Oklahoma’s pedigree.