Since arriving from Clemson in December 2021, OU head coach Brent Venables has guided the Sooners through some of the program’s most high-profile matchups in recent years. Over the past three years, Venables has played five games against top-10 teams.
From a signature Red River Rivalry victory over Texas in 2023 to a dominant win against Alabama in 2024, these games have provided a clear window into the Sooners’ strengths and areas for growth under Venables. The contests highlighted OU’s resilient defense, developing offensive playmakers and the difficulties of adapting to the Southeastern Conference’s heightened competition.
Here is how OU performed in each matchup:
Sophomore defensive back Gentry Williams during the game against Texas on Oct. 7.
No. 12 OU 34, No. 3 Texas 30 — Oct. 7, 2023
In the 2023 Red River Rivalry, OU defeated Texas 34‑30 in a dramatic finish at the Cotton Bowl, a year after OU lost 49‑0 to Texas in 2022.
Former OU quarterback Dillon Gabriel led a game-winning drive with 1:17 remaining that ended in a 3-yard touchdown pass to former Sooner wide receiver Nic Anderson. The play capped a 75-yard drive that secured the victory after Texas had briefly taken a 30‑27 lead with a late field goal. Anderson ended the game completing 23 of 38 passes for 285 yards and two touchdowns.
The Sooners’ defense was decisive as well, forcing three turnovers and generating consistent pressure. Redshirt junior cornerback Gentry Williams intercepted former Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers on the Longhorns’ opening drive, and redshirt senior defensive back Kendel Dolby added a second interception in the first quarter. OU also recorded five sacks, 10 tackles for loss and a forced fumble, while former safety Billy Bowman stuffed wide receiver Xavier Worthy on a goal-line stop in the fourth quarter. The defense sealed the game by deflecting a Hail Mary attempt in the final two seconds.
Sophomore defensive Peyton Bowen during Tennessee game on Sept. 21.
No. 6 Tennessee 25, No. 15 OU 15 — Sept. 21, 2024
Tennessee traveled to Norman and defeated OU 25‑15 in the Sooners’ first major SEC home test of the season. Tennessee totaled 345 yards — 151 rushing and 194 passing — while OU managed just 222 yards. The Volunteers jumped ahead with 19 unanswered first-half points, including a 66‑yard touchdown pass and a safety. OU scored twice in the fourth quarter but could not close the gap.
The result highlighted OU’s struggles to sustain drives and stop a tempo-driven SEC opponent. The defense limited Tennessee below its season averages, but the Sooners’ offensive inefficiency proved decisive, underscoring the challenge of competing at a high level in the SEC.
The game attracted national attention as ESPN’s “College GameDay” broadcast from Norman for the first time in an SEC home matchup for OU, emphasizing the significance of the contest and the program’s entry into the SEC spotlight.
Freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. during the game against Texas on Oct. 12.
No. 1 Texas 34, No. 18 OU 3 — Oct. 12, 2024
In the rematch against Texas, then-ranked No. 1, OU suffered a 34‑3 defeat in Dallas. The Longhorns scored 21 points in the second quarter and never looked back. OU’s offense faced numerous challenges, including five missing receivers, an inconsistent offensive line and a struggling run game, all while starting a true freshman quarterback in his second career start.
OU managed only 2.3 yards per carry, with its longest play from scrimmage going for 15 yards. Quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. completed 19 of 30 passes for 148 yards with no touchdowns. Texas dominated overall with 406 total yards — 177 rushing and 229 passing. After the loss, OU dropped out of the AP Top 25 for the first time since its 6‑7 season in 2022.
Redshirt sophomore linebacker Kip Lewis picks off the ball during the game against Alabama on Nov. 23.
OU 24, No. 7 Alabama 3 — Nov. 23, 2024
OU delivered a dominant performance on both sides of the ball in a 24-3 win over No. 7 Alabama in Norman. The Sooners’ defense held the Tide to 35 rushing yards and 62 passing yards in the first half and scored twice on turnovers. Sophomore defensive back Eli Bowen intercepted former Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe on the Crimson Tide’s opening second-half possession, and redshirt junior linebacker Kip Lewis returned a pick-six to extend the lead to 24‑3.
Sophomore running back Xavier Robinson rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns, including a first-half score to give OU a 10‑3 lead. Former OU quarterback Jackson Arnold added 131 rushing yards and completed 9 of 11 passes for 68 yards, and the offensive line allowed just one sack.
The 24‑3 victory secured bowl eligibility for OU and prompted the first field storming at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium since a Nebraska win in 2000 that led to a national championship run.
Sophomore running back Xavier Robinson during the game against Mississippi on Oct. 25.
No. 8 Mississippi 34, No. 13 OU 26 — Oct. 25, 2025
Recently, OU fell to Mississippi 34‑26 in Norman after a slow start. The Sooners gave up 10 first-quarter points, the most allowed in any opening quarter this season. Mississippi sophomore running back Kewan Lacy scored on a 28-yard touchdown run, and OU freshman running back Tory Blaylock was tackled in the end zone for a safety in the second quarter, giving the Rebels an early lead.
In the third quarter, sophomore running back Xavier Robinson rushed for a 65-yard run and a 9-yard score that briefly gave OU a 26‑25 lead before finishing with 109 rushing yards. However, Mississippi regained control with 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter through senior quarterback Trinidad Chambliss' 8-yard pass to tight end Trace Bruckler before putting the game to bed with a field goal.
Despite Robinson’s standout performance, OU could not overcome Mississippi’s balanced offensive attack.
Redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer, returning from hand surgery, also lost the quarterback battle. He struggled with accuracy and completed only 17 of 31 passes for 223 yards and one touchdown, while Chambliss threw for 315 yards and one touchdown.
OU will kick off against Alabama at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium on ABC.
This story was edited by Josh McDaniel.
