As the Oklahoma Sooners prepare for the 2025 college football season under the leadership of head coach Brent Venables, expectations are sky-high. With a move to the SEC now fully settled, the margin for error is razor-thin. To compete at the elite level week in and week out, Oklahoma will need more production from several key offensive players who either underperformed last year or are being counted on to step up due to departures. Here are three offensive players the Sooners need more from in 2025.
1. QB Jackson Arnold – The Time Is Now
After backing up Dillon Gabriel in 2023 and taking over as the full-time starter in 2024, all eyes are now on Jackson Arnold to make the leap from promising young quarterback to elite SEC signal-caller. Arnold showed flashes of brilliance last season, but inconsistency in big moments and decision-making under pressure hurt the Sooners in close games. With another offseason to develop and more familiarity with Jeff Lebby’s offensive system, Arnold must become the leader of the offense and deliver consistently. Oklahoma’s ability to contend in the SEC largely hinges on his arm, poise, and growth.
2. WR Nic Anderson – From Potential to Dominance
Nic Anderson turned heads early in his career with his size, speed, and ability to stretch the field. However, he hasn’t yet become the alpha receiver Oklahoma needs. With Andrel Anthony’s departure and a relatively inexperienced receiving corps, Anderson is expected to shoulder a much bigger load. He must improve his route running, catch radius, and consistency, especially on third downs and in the red zone. If Anderson can emerge as a go-to threat and open up the field for younger wideouts, Oklahoma’s offense becomes far more dynamic.
3. RB Jovantae Barnes – Reclaiming the Spotlight
After a breakout freshman season, Jovantae Barnes struggled to replicate his early success in 2024, dealing with injuries and limited touches in a crowded backfield. But with Gavin Sawchuk declaring for the NFL, Barnes has an opportunity to become the feature back once again. The Sooners need Barnes to stay healthy and be the versatile runner he was once projected to be—someone who can pound between the tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and serve as a reliable option in pass protection. A strong season from Barnes would bring much-needed balance to Oklahoma’s offensive attack.
A New Identity Under Pressure
Oklahoma’s offensive line will be critical in helping these three players succeed, but it’s clear the Sooners need their skill players to rise to the occasion. The SEC is a league where offenses must be explosive yet efficient. For that to happen, Arnold, Anderson, and Barnes must develop chemistry, leadership, and maturity that matches their natural talent.
Why It Matters
With Oklahoma aiming to re-establish itself as a national powerhouse and CFP contender, the offense must match the defense’s intensity and discipline. The 2025 season could be a turning point, and it will only trend upward if these key contributors elevate their play. The Sooners have the talent—now it’s about execution.
Conclusion
The Sooners have no shortage of potential stars, but potential won’t be enough in the SEC gauntlet. Jackson Arnold must lead with confidence, Nic Anderson must produce like a WR1, and Jovantae Barnes must return to form as a top-tier running back. If these three can deliver, Oklahoma’s path to a New Year’s Six bowl—or even the College Football Playoff—becomes far more realistic.
