Oklahoma’s 24-13 win over Michigan wasn’t just a victory; it was a recruiting masterstroke. But why? Around 80 top recruits from the 2026–2028 classes packed the stands in Norman, witnessing highlight plays on offense and bone-crushing hits on defense. Here, Brent Venables knows momentum matters. “For recruits, I think there’s validation,” he said. Now, after a tough year of negative recruiting, the Sooners’ message is clear: Oklahoma is back, and future stars are watching. But it wasn’t just about the future; Venables made it clear he’s staking his claim in the present, sending a strong note to his locker room after the Week 2 win.

In the postgame press conference, Brent Venables didn’t hold back. “Our guys in our locker room… they do a really good job,” he said. “They care about Oklahoma, care about who comes into that locker room… and know if we’re going to continue to be successful, it’s going to take all of us.” Honestly, the message clearly struck a chord. And now, OU football GM Jim Nagy doubled down, echoing Venables’ point and stressing the importance of unity, culture, and accountability in the locker room. So, the focus isn’t just on wins; it’s on building a program where everyone pulls in the same direction.

On September 10, Nagy took to X to back his head coach. “It’s not hard to sell OU brotherhood and family to recruits,” he wrote. “They just feel that from our guys.” Then he pointed straight to the source. “That’s the culture BV has built.” And his final verdict on Venables’ message? Simple. “It’s real.” Since arriving in December 2021, Brent Venables has reshaped Oklahoma football. He took a $1 million pay cut for 2025 to boost player revenue sharing, overhauled his staff with key hires like Nagy and OC Ben Arbuckle, and tightened his grip on the defense. And the result? A culture that recruits can feel, and a locker room that believes. Why not?

Brent Venables has Oklahoma’s locker room clicking, and the results speak loud. Yes, transfer QB John Mateer lit up Michigan with 270 yards through the air and 74 more on the ground. On top of that, he racked up three total TDs. Then Jaren Kanak turned heads in his first game at tight end, hauling in 90 yards like he’d played the spot for years. And on defense, Mason Thomas and Robert Spears-Jennings set the tone, locking down passing lanes and bringing the energy. As GM Jim Nagy put it, recruits don’t need a sales pitch; “they just feel that brotherhood.” Given that, Brent Venables is reloading Oklahoma with star power.

The 2025 haul features five-star anchor Michael Fasusi, homegrown burner Elijah Thomas, and defensive headliners CJ Nickson and Trystan Haynes, who said, “To stay home and represent my state means everything.” And Venables calls it a “targeted approach,” pointing to a roster already stacked with 81 freshmen and sophomores. So, the focus is clear: build for now, and build for later. That’s why the Sooners are already locking in 2026 gems like WR Daniel Odom, who doubled down on his OU pledge, while names like Davian Groce keep the pipeline buzzing. Right now, with Venables’ culture taking root, the Oklahoma head coach just dropped a headline-grabbing QB decision.

Brent Venables has made his call at QB

Brent Venables ended the speculation this week, laying out his QB plan with no hesitation. And the message? Sophomore Michael Hawkins Jr. is on track to keep his redshirt intact, as long as circumstances allow. Look, two games in, Hawkins hasn’t seen the field, and Venables stressed that every decision is about striking the right balance between winning now and protecting the future.

“It’s about being ready for 70 or 80 snaps if needed, but not burning a year unnecessarily,” explained Venables. And his words underscored patience, but also just how valuable Hawkins could be in the years ahead. So, for OU, it’s less about token snaps and more about protecting the future while keeping him prepared. Interestingly, the irony?

Hawkins already had a year slip through his hands. Yes, last season, he was forced into action when injuries piled up, crossing the four-game redshirt threshold and losing a year of eligibility. Now, this time around, Venables is determined not to repeat history. With John Mateer lighting up defenses and collecting awards, there’s no rush. So, for now, it’s his show, while Hawkins waits, ready, for his turn.