5 college football teams who could be the next TCU in 2023

Brent Venables went through growing pains, but OU is not going to stay down

While Kenny Dillingham, Matt Rhule, Hugh Freeze and Deion Sanders are beginning their first years at new programs, Brent Venables is entering year two at Oklahoma. Did he have a rough first season in Norman? Most definitely, but Dabo Swinney’s former star defensive coordinator left Clemson for a reason: Oklahoma is historically a top-three job in the country. These don’t open up.

There was absolutely going to be a period of adjustment for the first-time, defensive-minded head coach taking over for offensive guru Lincoln Riley. The Big 12 is an insanely competitive league and features an unforgiving nine-game conference schedule. It may have been more than Venables bargained, but a traditional power like Oklahoma pops in year two under the right coach.

Even if Oklahoma takes a step back in overall significance once it joins the SEC, Venables has all the resources at his disposal to sustain at a traditional power. Of course, if he stinks again in 2023, then we will all criticize OU for hiring the next John Blake. The good news for him is he has Dillon Gabriel back for another season at quarterback, which should make things easier for the program.

If TCU can be the best team in the Big 12 a year after having a sub-.500 record, so can Oklahoma.

Return to Top of Page 1

For more College Football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.