ESPN’s Paul Finebaum is one of the most recognizable figures in college football. When he says something, it usually carries a lot of weight.
The Oklahoma Sooners have been on both sides of the coin with Finebaum. They’ve been criticized, especially when going 6-7 in Year 1 in the SEC. But they’ve also been praised for their bounce-back season in 2025, in which they went 10-3.
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One of the things that has really caught Finebaum’s eye is the defense. Oklahoma has one of the best defensive units in college football. The Sooners ranked No. 6 in total defense last season, and return stars, including defensive linemen David Stone, Taylor Wein and Jayden Jackson, linebackers Kip Lewis and Owen Heinecke and defensive backs Eli and Peyton Bowen and Courtland Guillory.
Finebaum revealed at SEC media days that the Sooners’ defense has opened his eyes a little bit to the point where Oklahoma could be a legit SEC contender.
“I think the conversation about the defense has opened my eyes a little bit,” Finebaum said on WWLS The Sports Animal.
Venables has spent the past four seasons rebuilding Oklahoma’s identity around defense, and the results are beginning to show. With one of the deepest defensive rosters in the SEC returning, the Sooners have the foundation to compete with anyone on their schedule.
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The biggest question now is whether the offense can provide enough support. If Oklahoma takes the expected step forward on that side of the ball, the defense could be the catalyst that pushes the Sooners from playoff participant to legitimate SEC and national championship contender.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Paul Finebaum reveals what opened his eyes to the Sooners
