Ivan Maisel reveals the main reason Oklahoma has been slept on early in the year

Oklahoma has remained at the top of college football’s elite list of programs in the hunt for a College Football Playoff spot over recent years. However, a coaching change and philosophy shift has plenty people reserving judgement through the early portion of the season as they find their way.

During an appearance with JD PicKell, On3’s Ivan Maisel discussed the reason he and many others have been accused of sleeping on Oklahoma under Brent Venables. He does not shy away from that fact and even embraces the fact.

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“They’re being slept on, but I think with good reason,” said Maisel. “We haven’t seen Brent Venables as a head coach. And as much respect as he has garnered over a 30-year coaching career on the defensive side of the ball for teams that did nothing but win – I think, if memory serves, he’s never had a losing season anywhere, maybe one year at Kansas State – but my point is, he’s got a lot of respect.

“I won’t speak for everybody, but I just wanted to see what happens. We all assume he will slide into that role as a head coach, but just wanted to see. I think there is a little bit of wait and see about it.”

Going from Lincoln Riley to Brent Venables was about more than just a new voice, it completely changed the roster and culture of the program. From an offensive mind who took his top talent with him to a defensive guru who used the transfer portal and assistant hirings well, the Sooners look much different.

Ivan Maisel on Oklahoma

Ivan Maisel also took time to discuss how the Sooners fit into the Big 12 race, which appears much more open than the College Football Playoff at this point in the season.

“I still like them at the top of the league,” Maisel said. “Baylor I think might be the best team in the league, but Iowa State‘s looked better. Kansas State looks pretty darned good. Kansas looks good, too, for that matter. Oklahoma’s got as good of athletes as Baylor. Probably the two best groups in the league, and I haven’t mentioned Oklahoma State. Obviously they’re very, very good and very tough, but Oklahoma is right in the mix.”

The Sooners have gotten off to a 2-0 start and while it has not necessarily been the smoothest of sailing, it is a better place to be than where other programs in the league find themselves.