The Oklahoma Sooners reached the College Football Playoff this past season but fell to Alabama 34-24 in their only postseason game. That playoff appearance likely keeps coach Brent Venables safe for now, but his job security could depend on one crucial matchup in 2026.
CBS Sports’ Austin Nivison warns that another loss to Texas in the Red River Rivalry could put Venables on the hot seat.
Venables is just 1-3 against the Longhorns since taking over at Oklahoma. The Sooners managed only six points in last year’s embarrassing performance.
“Venables has done some good things in Norman, but beating your rival is a non-negotiable in college football, and he hasn’t done that often enough,” Nivison wrote.
The 2025 Red River Showdown was particularly painful for Oklahoma fans. Quarterback John Mateer was playing through a hand injury and clearly wasn’t at full strength. First-year offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle struggled to get the offense moving.
Texas dominated defensively, allowing just 88 yards in the second half while forcing three turnovers. The final score was 23-6.
Portal Moves Favor Texas
The gap between these programs might be widening. Texas added significant offensive talent through the transfer portal, while Oklahoma lost key defensive players.
The Longhorns brought in receiver Cam Coleman, running backs Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown, plus blocking tight end Michael Masunas.
Oklahoma, meanwhile, lost elite pass rusher R Mason Thomas and run-stopping tackles Gracen Halton and Damonic Williams.
Those departures hit Oklahoma’s defensive front hard. The Sooners built their identity on stopping the run and pressuring quarterbacks.
The October 10, 2026 matchup at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas looms large for Venables. Texas will enter as favorites, but rivalries don’t always follow the script.
Venables needs that signature win over the Longhorns. Few expect Oklahoma to win a national championship, making the Texas game even more important for his job security.
A fourth loss in five tries against their biggest rival might be too much for Oklahoma fans to accept.
