College football personality Josh Pate gives his grade, and analysis on what he thinks of the job that Brent Venables has done so far with the Oklahoma Sooners
College football personality Josh Pate offered a measured but optimistic evaluation of Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables following last season, ultimately settling on a grade that reflects both progress and lingering concerns.
His assessment captures the mixed but improving trajectory of the program as it continues to rebuild its identity under Venables.
“Obviously, they made the College Football Playoff last year,” Pate said. “That's awesome. I think that gets Brent Venables a 'B'.”
That opening acknowledgment highlights the significance of Oklahoma’s achievement. A playoff appearance is no small feat, especially for a program that has been navigating transition in recent years.
It signals competitiveness at the highest level and suggests that Venables has the team moving in the right direction.
Still, Pate stopped short of giving a full endorsement in the form of an “A” grade. Instead, he added, “I leaned 'B+', somewhere between 'B' and 'B+'. That's where I am. That's where I think Oklahoma fans are on Brent Venables.”
That range reflects a cautious optimism for where the program is at under Venables.
Pate gives a recognition of success, but also an understanding that there are key areas preventing the program from reaching elite consistency.
The most glaring issue, according to Pate, lies in Oklahoma’s offensive balance. He pointed specifically to the lack of a productive run game.
“Where was the run game is the question,” he said, pivoting to what he described as a foundational problem.
For a coach like Venables, whose reputation is built on toughness and defensive discipline, the expectation naturally extends to physicality on offense as well.
Pate elaborated on that expectation: “You would think there are two things you could take for granted when you hire Brent Venables. One of them, it turns out, you can. Defense is going to be good.”
That part of the equation has indeed held true. Oklahoma’s defense has improved significantly, becoming a reliable strength after years of inconsistency.
However, the complementary piece has been missing.
“Normally, right there along with that, arm in-arm with a good defense, is normally a good solid dependable ground game, at least,” Pate continued.
Instead of balance, Oklahoma struggled mightily on the ground. “Doesn't have to be top 10, but man, they were outside the top 115 or 110 last year, 113th exactly in rush yards per game last year. Abysmal.”
That deficiency had broader consequences for the team’s ability to control games. “And as a result, they couldn't control games ...” Pate noted, emphasizing how a weak rushing attack can undermine even a strong defense by failing to manage tempo and field position.
Despite that flaw, Pate acknowledged the significant strides made on the defensive side of the ball.
“Yes, defense has gone from being non-existent there under Lincoln (Riley) to being a strength,” he said. “And that's great, and that's a welcome return of one of the bedrock pillars of the identity of Oklahoma Football over the years.”
Ultimately, the evaluation comes down to sustainability. “Now, can they put a string of seasons together?” Pate asked. “Last year's a good start, very good start. Ten-win season's great. Can you win nine or 10 again this year?”
That question underscores the next phase of Oklahoma’s development under Venables, proving that success is not a one-year spike but part of a consistent upward trend.
Venables has had two 10-win seasons so far with the Sooners, but each of them were preceded by a six-win campaign the year prior. Coming off of a 10-win year in 2025, Sooner fans will be hoping for sustained success this season, ending the back-and-forth between six and 10-win campaigns.
“Does it have to dip back down? Doesn't have to,” Pate concluded, leaving the door open for continued growth.
The “B” or “B+” grade, then, reflects a program on solid footing but still chasing completeness.
As Pate noted, the Sooners have reestablished its defensive identity, but they must find balance to truly contend year after year.