The Oklahoma football program is gearing up for an eventful 2024, its first in the ferociously competitive SEC. With challenging away games against Auburn, Ole Miss, and Missouri, and tough home battles against Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina, not to mention the iconic Red River Rivalry against Texas, the season promises to have no shortage of epic matchups. The absence of former head coach Lincoln Riley, as the team transitions from the Big 12 to the SEC, remains a talking point two years after his departure to the USC Trojans.
Riley’s exit from Oklahoma to USC in 2022, a move many speculated was a reaction to Oklahoma’s move to the SEC, significantly impacted the team. The departure also led to the transfer of superstar quarterback Caleb Williams. Oklahoma Sooners athletic director Joe Castiglione still grapples with Riley’s exit, as evidenced by his recent comments on SEC Now on the SEC Network.
Oklahoma Football AD Joe Castiglione: Takes Aim at Ex-Sooners Head Coach Lincoln Riley
The anticipation for Oklahoma football’s long-awaited arrival in the SEC continues to grow, especially with the team heading into its final full month of the offseason. The SEC Network visited Norman earlier this week, having a sitdown with Oklahoma AD Joe Castiglione. The 77-year-old did not hold back on former head coach Lincoln Riley when discussing the program’s excitement for heading to the SEC, arguably the most talented conference in football.
“I will tell you, without reservation, every coach we talked to was excited, and you know what? Those who weren’t aren’t here anymore,” said Castiglione when speaking with the SEC Network. He continued, saying, “This is Oklahoma. Either get with it or get on with it.”
Multiply sources, including Fox Sports Radio, indicated Riley’s departure from Oklahoma was a direct result of Oklahoma darting for the more competitive yet lucrative SEC. Shortly after Castiglione denoted rumors of Riley looking to coach elsewhere, the bench boss left to fill the vacant head coaching position at USC.
Brent Venables: Leading Oklahoma Football Into SEC
In the wake of Lincoln Riley’s departure, the Oklahoma football program turned to the defensive-minded Brent Venables to lead the Sooners. Venables served as the defensive coordinator at Clemson from 2012 to 2021, helping the Tigers win two titles during that span. Venables struggled during his first season with the Sooners, positing a 6-7 record, their worst winning percentage since 1998. However, OU had a quick turnaround, winning double-digit games in 2023 while earning a trip to the Alamo Bowl.
More importantly, Oklahoma made significant strides on defense. Led by defensive stars Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman, the Sooners allowed just 23.5 points per game, the 49th-best mark in the country. They also scored 41.7 points per game, the fourth-highest mark in the nation. After two years of UCF transfer Dillon Gabriel under center, Oklahoma will turn to former five-star mega prospect Jackson Arnold next fall. Arnold earned the start in last year’s Alamo Bowl post-Gabirel transfer, going 26-for-45 for 361 yards and two scores. However, he tossed three interceptions in the loss.
For More Football News:
For More Football News and to dive into the excitement, follow me on Twitter at @alec_musa. Let’s get the conversation rolling! I’m all ears for your thoughts and insights. You can also reach out to me via email at musaalec@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest college and NFL news, click here!
