Josh Pate grades the job Brent Venables is doing at OU

Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables is entering his fifth season at the helm in Norman, and he’s coming off of his best year yet, leading OU to ten wins and a berth in the College Football Playoff in 2025. With high expectations looming in 2026, Venables has the chance to further establish himself this fall.

Josh Pate, the host of “Josh Pate’s College Football Show”, gave out a job approval rating for Venables on his show, along with a few other SEC head coaches. Pate was complimentary of the job Venables did in 2025, after he went 6-7 in 2022, 10-3 in 2023, and 6-7 in 2024.

“Obviously, they made the College Football Playoff last year,” Pate said. “That’s awesome. I think that gets Brent Venables a ‘B’. I leaned ‘B+’, somewhere between ‘B’ and ‘B+’. That’s where I am. That’s where I think Oklahoma fans are on Brent Venables.”

While Pate is sold on Venables’ ability to build a defense, there’s another major component that wasn’t there for the Sooners last year that OU has put a focus on this offseason.

“Where was the run game is the question,” Pate said. “You would think there are two things you could take for granted when you hire Brent Venables. One of them, it turns out, you can. Defense is going to be good. Normally, right there along with that, arm in-arm with a good defense, is normally a good solid dependable ground game, at least. Doesn’t have to be top 10, but man, they were outside the top 115 or 110 last year, 113th exactly in rush yards per game last year. Abysmal. And as a result, they couldn’t control games … Yes, defense has gone from being non-existent there under Lincoln (Riley) to being a strength, and that’s great, and that’s a welcome return of one of the bedrock pillars of the identity of Oklahoma Football over the years. Now, can they put a string of seasons together? Last year’s a good start, very good start. Ten-win season’s great. Can you win nine or 10 again this year? Does it have to dip back down? Doesn’t have to.”

To put it simply, Oklahoma needs a dependable ground game to play the style of football that fits a Brent Venables team. Last season, the Sooners found an identity based on a suffocating defense, winning by stifling opposing offenses, forcing turnovers, playing field position and benefitting from strong special teams. However, the last piece of that identity is a solid running game that can salt games away when the Sooners have the lead late.

One of the biggest compliments that you can give any head coach at any level of football is that his team looks like it’s been built in his image. Venables’ Sooners started to look like that last season, but he knows he needs a strong run game to complete the gritty, grimy, blue-collar style of football that served OU well last November. That’s why he’s put such a focus on it this offseason.

Tough, physical defense has always been a hallmark of the Oklahoma Sooners, and Venables has re-installed that as a major facet of the program over the last four seasons. Now, he’ll need to find a stout running game on the offensive side of the ball in order to take his Sooners to the next level.

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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) hugs linebacker Kip Lewis (10) before the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) runs onto the field before the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Oklahoma’s Lloyd Avant (9) celebrates a touchdwon during the University of Oklahoma Sooners Spring Game at the Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday April 18, 2026.

Oklahoma’s Tate Sandell (29) kicks a field game during the University of Oklahoma Sooners Spring Game at the Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday April 18, 2026.

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners Sooner Schooner leaves the field after the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (bottom right)) takes a photo with the defensive group after the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) takes a photo with the quarterback group during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables celebrates celebrates with quarterback John Mateer (10) after the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners players and head coach Brent Venables react after the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) reacts after the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners Casen Calmus (20) makes an interception during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers (2) is chased by Casen Calmus (20) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Bowe Bentley (8) throws during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jayden Petit (13) cannot make a catch as defensive back Eli Bowen (23) and defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) defend during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) throws during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheerleader during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers (2) is tackled by defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers (2) is chased by defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) and defensive lineman Taylor Wein (44) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie Powers III (3) reacts during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Danny Okoye (16) celebrates with defensive lineman Taylor Wein (44) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) laughs on the sidelines during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners kicker Tate Sandell (29) kicks a field goal during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Bowe Bentley (8) is sacked by defensive back Michael Boganowski (25) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight ends coach Jason Witten watches during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Jonathan Hatton Jr (20) celebrates with offensive lineman Michael Fasusi (56) after scoring a touchdown during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Jonathan Hatton Jr (20) scores a touchdown during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Manny Choice (0) battles for the ball with defensive back Trystan Haynes (14) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Elijah Thomas (14) runs with the ball as defensive lineman CJ Nickson (88) defends during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables watches during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) reacts during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs with the ball during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) and defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) react after tackling wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers (2) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) and defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) tackle wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers (2) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Eli Bowen (23) nearly intercepts a pass in front of wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers (2) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) hands the ball off to running back Lloyd Avant (9) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight ends coach Jason Witten greets wide receiver Eli Merck (89) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Josh Pate grades Brent Venables’ first four years at Oklahoma

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