The Oklahoma teams of the 2010s were known for their powerful offenses and otherworldly quarterback play.
From Baker Mayfield to Kyler Murray to Jalen Hurts, the Sooners under Bob Stoops and Lincoln Riley built their identity around shootouts—and usually winning them. Under Brent Venables, that identity has been completely flipped.
Every program wants strong quarterback play, and Oklahoma still has it with Washington State transfer John Mateer. But Mateer would be the first to say he isn’t doing it alone. The Sooners’ defense has become one of the most feared in the country, echoing the dominant units Venables once led at Clemson.
Here’s a look at how Oklahoma’s defense made history in Saturday’s 24-17 win over Auburn.
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Most sacks in Oklahoma history
Oklahoma recorded 10 sacks against Auburn on Saturday, setting a program record since the NCAA began officially tracking the stat in 2000.
The performance came with a twist of irony: every sack was against Jackson Arnold, who started most of the 2024 season for the Sooners before being benched for Michael Hawkins Jr. and transferring to Auburn in December.
Arnold, who was greeted with jeers from the Norman crowd even before his first sack, played well enough to keep the Tigers competitive. But he ultimately went down twice late to seal the loss. The 10th and final sack going into the books as a safety.
THE CLOSER ❌ pic.twitter.com/52CEKm6NF3
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) September 20, 2025
In an indication of how quickly Oklahoma has reversed its fortunes, the Sooners set a program record for sacks allowed in back-to-back weeks just last season. Venables' squad allowed a whopping 19 sacks between losses to South Carolina and Ole Miss, with Arnold starting both games.
MORE: Why Jackson Arnold transferred from Oklahoma to Auburn
Who recorded sacks for Oklahoma against Auburn?
The following players recorded sacks for Oklahoma's defense on Saturday:
- Jayden Jackson (2.5)
- R Mason Thomas (2)
- Gracen Halton (1)
- Owen Heinicke (1)
- Marvin Jones Jr. (1)
- David Stone (1)
- Taylor Wein (1)
- Kip Lewis (0.5)
Thomas had the biggest blow of the day, taking down Arnold for a win-sealing safety on Auburn's final drive. Jackson, meanwhile, doubled his career total of 2.5 sacks as part of a breakthrough performance.
Brent Venables coaching history
Venables is in his fourth season as Oklahoma's head coach. Here's his complete coaching history:
- 1993-95: Kansas State (graduate assistant)
- 1996-98: Kansas State (LBs coach)
- 1999-2003: Oklahoma (co-DC, LBs coach)
- 2004-11: Oklahoma (defensive coordinator)
- 2012-21: Clemson (defensive coordinator)
- 2022-present: Oklahoma (head coach)
The 54-year-old entered the hot seat after a difficult 2024 season, but he trusted his defensive philosophy and now appears to have Oklahoma turning a corner in year four.
Venables, who spent a decade leading dominant defenses as Clemson’s defensive coordinator, became one of the nation’s most respected assistants while helping Dabo Swinney win two national championships. He waited patiently for the right head coaching opportunity before leaving Clemson, and his decision to return to Norman as Lincoln Riley’s successor finally seems to be paying off in 2025.
MORE: Most NFL Draft picks by a school in one year
Oklahoma remaining schedule
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
| Oct. 4 | vs. Kent State | 4:00 p.m. |
| Oct. 11 | vs. Texas | 3:30 p.m. |
| Oct. 18 | at South Carolina | TBA |
| Oct. 25 | vs. Ole Miss | TBA |
| Nov. 1 | at Tennessee | TBA |
| Nov. 15 | at Alabama | TBA |
| Nov. 22 | vs. Missouri | 1:00 p.m. |
| Nov. 29 | vs. LSU | TBA |
Oklahoma gets a bit of a breather after its 4-0 start with wins over Michigan and Auburn, as the Sooners are headed toward a bye followed by a date with Kent State.
After Kent State, the SEC gauntlet picks up. Oklahoma faces rival Texas on Oct. 11 and has to go to both Knoxville and Tuscaloosa in November.