“This Is One of the Best Recruiting Runs We’ve Seen in Years. It Feels Like Brent Venables Is At the Helm Again—This Is Vintage Oklahoma Recruiting.”
In a statement that captures both excitement and hope, several analysts and fans are hailing Oklahoma’s current recruiting season as nothing short of historic. “This is one of the great recruiting runs we’ve seen in some years,” remarked a commentator recently, adding, “It almost feels like Brent Venables is running the ship again when it comes to recruiting because this is vintage Oklahoma recruiting.”
### A Return to Form
When Brent Venables returned to Norman as head coach in late 2021, expectations were both high and cautious. Known for his defensive genius during his earlier stint under Bob Stoops—from 1999 to 2011—and his elite work at Clemson, Venables took over a program in transition ([reddit.com][1], [dsvsports.com][2]). The Sooners had just endured their first losing season in decades and were still reeling from the departure of high-powered offensive coach Lincoln Riley.
Yet under Venables’ stewardship, recruiting has surged. According to On3, the Sooners’ 2024 class ranks No. 8 nationally, headlined by six offensive linemen, six defensive linemen—and even a prized five-star defensive tackle, David Stone ([si.com][3], [on3.com][4]). It’s a dramatic reversal of fortunes in recruiting, with Oklahoma securing back-to-back Top‑10 classes—an impressive feat given the program’s recent turbulence ([on3.com][5]).
### Brad of Intentional Strategy
Venables’ recruiting philosophy is starkly different from the “speed-to-offer” tactics common in college football today. He describes Oklahoma’s approach as “very intentional,” comparing it to the careful precision of a Rolls‑Royce assembly line ([si.com][6]). Rather than casting a wide net, the Sooners are taking a measured approach: fewer offers, deeper relationships, rigorous vetting. Venables has spoken candidly about the importance of character—“people first, talent second” ([si.com][6]).
### Players and Portal Hits
The results speak for themselves. After losing key commits during Riley’s exit, Venables and his staff rebuilt with fervor, landing coveted recruits like RB Anthony Evans and DB Makari Vickers—boosting the 2023 class into the nation’s top five and marking the best haul since the early 2000s ([si.com][3]). The staff also dove into the transfer portal, adding five impactful transfers to shore up both defense and offense ([on3.com][5]).
### Cultural Reboot
Recruiting success under Venables isn’t just about stars—it’s also about culture. He’s instituted a mentorship-driven “SOUL Mission” featuring former Sooners like Josh Norman, Curtis Lofton, and Caleb Kelly, supporting young players on and off the field ([si.com][7]). Whether it’s academic accountability, life skills, or leadership development, Venables emphasizes the importance of resilience and readiness in all areas of life.
### Looking Ahead to the SEC
With Oklahoma’s transition to the SEC in 2024, Venables’ blueprint is being tested under a tougher lens. He’s leaned into physical recruiting—prioritizing size and dominance at the line of scrimmage ([on3.com][4]). And while critical voices question whether his methods work in the ultra-competitive SEC, he remains steadfast—betting on relationships, character, and his defensive acumen to win the recruiting battle and sustain program excellence.
### Final Take
So far, it’s paying off. Oklahoma is not just bringing in high-ranked talent—they’re bringing in players who fit the culture. With two consecutive Top‑10 classes and a renewed sense of identity, many believe this truly *is* Oklahoma’s vintage recruiting, and they believe Venables is the right man steering the ship.
Whether this recruits-to-results pipeline translates into championships remains to be seen. But as recruits commit, fans rally, and momentum builds, one thing is clear: Oklahoma’s return to recruiting dominance feels real—and it owes much to Venables’ disciplined, character-first vision.
