The Oklahoma Sooners’ 2024 campaign didn’t meet expectations. The offense sputtered, plagued by unimaginative play-calling. Brent Venables’ team heads into 2025 after facing significant transfer portal losses. But there’s a reason for optimism with the additions of offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and QB John Mateer in Norman.
John Mateer and Ben Arbuckle Set To Overhaul Oklahoma’s Offense
It was clear to even the most casual college football fan that something wasn’t right in Norman in 2024. The offense simply couldn’t get going, with the team finishing with a disappointing 6-7 record. Oklahoma’s offense ranked near the bottom of the SEC, sitting second-to-last in points scored, 126th in total yards, and dead last in yards per play.
The numbers told the story. The Sooners ended the season ranked 110th in points per game (21.1), 126th in yards per game (303.2), and 131st in yards per play (4.2).
After a rough start to the season, Venables made the tough call to part ways with offensive coordinator Seth Littrell in October. A fresh approach was needed — one that could keep pace in the high-powered SEC.
It means the Sooners have turned to a fresh offensive mastermind to lead them in a new direction. Enter Washington State Cougars offensive coordinator Arbuckle — who signed a three-year deal with the Sooners in December — whose youth and creativity make him one of the most exciting up-and-coming coaches in the sport.
Arbuckle’s offense combines scheme influences with a sprinkling of air raid, spread formation, and RPO concepts to create a balanced approach. The former Cougars play-caller has shown the ability to adapt and refine his offenses year after year, and his consistency and commitment to the run game should translate well to the SEC.
And the track record speaks for itself. In 2023, he helped quarterback Cam Ward throw for 3,735 yards and 29 touchdowns, making him one of the top quarterbacks in the nation.
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In 2024, under Arbuckle’s guidance, John Mateer took over as Washington State’s starting quarterback and far exceeded expectations, throwing for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns while rushing for 826 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Under Arbuckle, the Cougars’ offense was a force. They finished 15th in the nation in points per game (33.8), 28th in yards per game (426.7), and 13th in yards per play (6.4).
Coincidentally, shortly after Arbuckle’s announcement and with Jackson Arnold in the transfer portal, Mateer announced he was transferring to Norman to play under his former offensive coordinator.
Under his coach’s leadership, Mateer ranked first in the nation in completion percentage (74.1%) and third in yards per pass (9.6).
The combination of Arbuckle and Mateer is an exciting addition to the SEC. At just 29 years old, the offensive coordinator’s youthfulness, originality, and inventive play-calling is precisely the type of hire the Sooners needed to make. On paper, these additions feel like home runs.
While Oklahoma fans are right to be excited, there should also be welcomed caution. For Arbuckle, stepping into the SEC represents a huge leap in competition. The 2025 season promises to be a true test for him. Similarly, Mateer’s transition to the SEC is a significant step up from the Pac-12, where he thrived under Arbuckle’s tutelage.
The Sooners have one of the most difficult 2025 schedules in the country, with some grueling conference road games. Oklahoma will face the South Carolina Gamecocks, Tennessee Volunteers, and Alabama Crimson Tide on the road, as well as playing the Texas Longhorns in the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl.
While Oklahoma opens up its season at home to the Illinois State Redbirds, they face the Michigan Wolverines in Week 2 before facing the Ole Miss Rebels, Missouri Tigers, and LSU Tigers down the stretch.
The offense will certainly be tested. However, the infusion of new talent through the transfer portal — along with the arrival of competent quarterbacking, creative play-calling, and dynamic weapons — could be the recipe for success.
2024 Oklahoma Sooners Offensive Transfer Portal Additions
Over 30 Sooners’ players entered the transfer portal in December, and Oklahoma has slimmed down its roster by acquiring 14 from the portal.
Mateer joins, giving Venables’ side more consistent play at quarterback, while key additions along the offensive line and at wide receiver will give Arbuckle an evolving, dynamic offense to work with.
Four new wide receivers will join Mateer in Norman, with Keontez Lewis and Javonnie Gibson moving from the FCS level. While Cal Golden Bears transfer Josiah Martin and Arkansas Razorbacks transfer Isaiah Sategna bring dynamic, explosive presence.
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While Lewis and Gibson come with solid credentials, the real intrigue lies in Martin and Sategna. Martin, despite only hauling in 12 receptions for 112 yards in 2024, has the raw talent and athleticism to thrive in Arbuckle’s creative offense.
Unlocking his potential will be a top priority for the new offensive staff. Sategna, on the other hand, brings an explosive element to the receiving corps and should be a deep threat.
Along the offensive line, Luke Baklenko transfers from the Stanford Cardinal, and Derek Simmons moves from the West Carolina Catamounts. Both have the ability to start the opening game of the season, but the Oklahoma offensive line managed to retain a lot of its young, promising talent, and the group should be greatly improved in 2025.
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