After a heartbreaking 21-20 loss to Navy in the Armed Forces Bowl, Oklahoma finished their 2024 season with a frustrating 6-7 record, marking their second losing season in three years under head coach Brent Venables. Despite an early 14-0 lead, the Sooners faltered, allowing Navy to score 21 unanswered points. A last-ditch effort to win with a two-point conversion failed, sealing the Sooners’ fate. The mistakes—penalties, dropped passes, defensive lapses, and poor special teams play—plagued the team throughout, continuing a trend that’s become all too familiar under Venables.
As the program enters a critical offseason, Venables’ future is uncertain. Oklahoma fans are eager to see significant improvement in 2025 if Venables hopes to keep his job. With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of how each position group fared in the season-ending loss to Navy.
Quarterback: B
Michael Hawkins showed flashes of promise in his fourth career start, both as a passer and a runner. While he made impressive plays, including a thrilling touchdown pass to Zion Kearney and a last-second score to Jake Roberts, Hawkins struggled with footwork and reading the defense. Given his inexperience and numerous drops from his receivers, Hawkins showed potential for next season but still has areas to improve.
Running Back: B-
Oklahoma rotated between three running backs—Gavin Sawchuk, Xavier Robinson, and Taylor Tatum—but Sawchuk was the only one who found any rhythm. With little commitment to the run game and a confusing rotation, the Sooners couldn’t establish a consistent ground attack. With no major transfers from the group so far, the running back position remains a mystery for 2025.
Wide Receiver: C-
The Sooners’ young wide receiver corps showed flashes of potential but were hampered by too many drops and a lack of separation downfield. Without key players like Deion Burks and Jayden Gibson, the group struggled. Ivan Carreon and Zion Kearney had solid performances, but the position will undergo a major overhaul in the offseason. Improved play at wide receiver will be crucial for a stronger offensive showing in the SEC.
Tight End: C
Jake Roberts stepped up in place of Bauer Sharp, who transferred to LSU, but his performance was mixed with a few key drops and a couple of big catches on the final drive. The tight end position remains a weak spot, especially in run-blocking. Offensive coordinator Joe Jon Finley’s departure should bring a fresh perspective, but the group needs a major upgrade.
Offensive Line: C
Oklahoma’s offensive line was shaky throughout the game. While mobile quarterback Hawkins helped avoid a high number of sacks, the line failed to open holes in the running game after a strong start. The most glaring issue came when Hawkins was sacked on the critical two-point conversion attempt. With several young players on the line, there’s hope for improvement, but this group needs significant work heading into 2025.
Defensive Line: B+
The defensive line was the team’s brightest spot, playing tough early and shutting down Navy’s option offense. Ethan Downs played admirably in his final game as a Sooner, and the unit had some strong moments. However, they wore down in the fourth quarter, and Navy capitalized. With some key players graduating, the defensive line may look different next year, but the depth and talent should still make it a strength in 2025.
Linebacker: B-
Without Danny Stutsman, the linebacker group held its own for much of the game but faltered on Navy’s critical long touchdown run and late fourth-quarter drive. With Kip Lewis and Kobie McKinzie returning next season, the position group could be a strength, but consistency will be key. Oklahoma will need their linebackers to step up in 2025, especially as they rebuild the offense.
Secondary: C-
Against a Navy team that doesn’t usually put stress on the secondary, Oklahoma’s defensive backs still allowed too many open targets. A better passer than Navy’s Blake Horvath could have exposed even more weaknesses. There were also lapses in coverage on play-action passes, and the long touchdown run by Horvath should not have happened. The secondary needs to improve drastically in 2025 to compete at a higher level, especially in the SEC.
Special Teams: C
Special teams were, once again, a mixed bag. The Sooners provided little in the return game and failed to block any kicks. While Luke Elzinga had a brilliant fake punt, his 11-yard shank reminded fans of the unit’s inconsistency. With several key players like Elzinga and Zach Schmit out of eligibility, there’s hope for a fresh start next year, but special teams need a major overhaul.
Final Thoughts:
Oklahoma’s 2024 season ended with disappointment, but there are bright spots to build on. The Sooners have the talent to improve, but they must make significant strides in key areas like offense, consistency, and special teams. As Brent Venables enters a pivotal offseason, 2025 will be a make-or
