Paul Finebaum Concerned About the Direction of Oklahoma Football: Is the Program in Decline?
Paul Finebaum, the outspoken and influential voice of college football, has never been one to mince words. Recently, he’s raised eyebrows by expressing concern over the trajectory of the Oklahoma Sooners football program. Once a dominant powerhouse in the Big 12 and a regular contender for the College Football Playoff, Oklahoma’s recent performances have left Finebaum—and many fans—questioning whether the program is losing its competitive edge.
Finebaum’s Worries: Signs of Decline?
The Sooners, who are set to transition to the SEC, haven’t been as formidable as they were during the Lincoln Riley era. Under current head coach Brent Venables, the program has faced an uphill battle to maintain its reputation as one of college football’s elite. Finebaum has pointed out several warning signs, including inconsistent play on both sides of the ball, recruiting struggles, and the looming challenge of competing in a much tougher SEC landscape.
One of Finebaum’s most pointed criticisms revolves around Oklahoma’s defense, a unit that was historically a weak spot but had shown signs of improvement under Venables, a defensive-minded coach. However, recent performances have called into question whether Venables can truly elevate the program to where it needs to be in the SEC, where defenses reign supreme.
Recruiting Woes: Losing Ground?
Another area of concern highlighted by Finebaum is Oklahoma’s recruiting. Historically, the Sooners have been able to attract top-tier talent, particularly on offense. However, as the program prepares for its SEC debut, it’s clear that Oklahoma is losing ground to traditional SEC powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. Finebaum believes that if Oklahoma can’t close the gap in recruiting, they could find themselves struggling to even stay relevant in the SEC—a conference where depth, size, and speed are the difference-makers.
The move to the SEC, once seen as a golden opportunity for Oklahoma to enhance its brand and financial standing, now appears to be a daunting task. Finebaum has expressed concern that Oklahoma’s current state of affairs might leave them as a middle-of-the-pack team in a loaded conference, far from the title-contending program they were in the Big 12.
Venables: The Right Man for the Job?
While many have praised Brent Venables for his defensive acumen, Finebaum’s concern about Oklahoma’s trajectory begs the question: Is Venables the right man to lead Oklahoma into the SEC? Finebaum has hinted that Venables’ lack of head coaching experience prior to Oklahoma might be catching up to him. Finebaum argues that Oklahoma needs a leader who can navigate the complexities of the SEC, where every game feels like a playoff, and the competition is relentless.
Venables’ recruiting struggles, combined with inconsistent on-field performances, have led to increased scrutiny. Finebaum is not alone in suggesting that Oklahoma may have to consider making changes if things don’t improve soon. The stakes are incredibly high, and the margin for error is slim as Oklahoma prepares to face the SEC gauntlet.
A Fan Base on Edge
Oklahoma’s passionate fan base, which is used to winning conference championships and competing for national titles, is growing restless. Finebaum’s critiques resonate with a portion of the fan base that fears the Sooners may have peaked during the Lincoln Riley era and are now on a downward spiral. The program’s legacy is undeniable, but in the cutthroat world of college football, past success doesn’t guarantee future dominance—especially in the SEC.
Conclusion: Is Finebaum Right?
Paul Finebaum’s concerns about the direction of Oklahoma football aren’t baseless. As the Sooners prepare for life in the SEC, the program faces a crossroads. Will they rise to the challenge and return to their dominant ways, or will they become another once-great program struggling to keep up? Finebaum’s candid commentary has ignited debate, but one thing is clear: The pressure on Brent Venables and Oklahoma to succeed in the SEC has never been higher. Only time will tell if the Sooners can live up to their storied legacy—or if Finebaum’s fears will prove to be prophetic.