On3 Roundtable: Oklahoma is trending back towards the right direction entering SEC move in 2024

Oklahoma is looking to make noise in the Big 12 during its final season in the conference. At the same time, the Sooners also know that they need to be prepared to make the transition to the SEC in 2024.

In an On3 Roundtable, JD PicKell and Eddie Radosevich of Sooner Scoop broke down why the Sooners are heading in the right direction ahead of that move.

“Yes, I think there is a belief that Todd Bates, Michael Chavis, especially on the defensive side of the football, are going to be able to get some guys,” Radosevich said. “Recruit well in that 2024 class and then continue to make improvements.”

“Obviously, if you look at what they did in the transfer portal over the last year since Brent [Venables] has been in town, it’s a need. They need to make some steps on the defensive line.”

On top of fixing those needs, Radosevich explained that Oklahoma also needs to keep producing excellent offensive linemen. Luckily, that’s something they’ve been known for under offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh, who has been on the staff since 2013.

“And on the offensive line, Bill Bedenbaugh needs to continue to do what he has done seemingly since he’s been in Norman. Produce high-quality offensive linemen. If they can do that, I think that obviously you make a step in the right direction heading into the SEC.”

After going just 6-7 in Brent Venables’ first season as the head coach of Oklahoma, there are concerns about the Sooners transitioning to the SEC. So, re-establishing the team as a national power is going to be important for Oklahoma in 2023.

Colin Cowherd unfavorably compared Oklahoma and Nebraska

Oklahoma and Nebraska are one of college football’s classic rivalries. However, the intensity died down in it once Nebraska left for the Big Ten and struggled in its transition. Now, with Oklahoma set to move to the SEC, Colin Cowherd is concerned that the Sooners could be moving down the same path as the Cornhuskers.

“There is only one college football program in the last 25 to 30 years that went from a national power to — and I mean vying for titles, big brand, TV — to irrelevant. Nebraska… Keep your eye on Oklahoma. Is Oklahoma going to be the second program in our adult life that disappears?” Cowherd said.

“There are three reasons why. No. 1 is, they’re from a state that doesn’t produce high school football players. They have to convince every kid, that didn’t grow up a Husker, to be a Husker. That’s harder than convincing a kid in LA who grew up a Trojan, to be a Trojan. Or a kid who grew up near New Orleans to be a Tiger. Nebraska had to convince every kid that wasn’t a Nebraska fan because most kids are fans of local teams.”