As the 2025 college football season approaches, coaches Brent Venables of Oklahoma and Hugh Freeze of Auburn are poised to significantly elevate their standings in national coaching rankings.
Brent Venables – Oklahoma
Entering his fourth year as head coach, Brent Venables faces a pivotal season with the Sooners. After a challenging 2024 campaign that ended with a 6–7 record, including a bowl loss to Navy, Venables’ ranking dropped to No. 51 among Power Four coaches .
To reverse this trend, Venables has implemented strategic changes. He appointed Ben Arbuckle as the new offensive coordinator and secured Washington State transfer quarterback John Mateer to rejuvenate the offense . These moves aim to address the offensive struggles that plagued the team last season.
Despite a formidable schedule featuring matchups against Texas, Alabama, and LSU, national analysts, including CBS Sports and FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt, have expressed cautious optimism about Oklahoma’s prospects, ranking them as high as No. 18 in preseason polls . A successful season could significantly boost Venables’ coaching profile.
Hugh Freeze – Auburn
Hugh Freeze enters his third season at Auburn with mounting expectations. After a 6–7 finish in 2023 and missing a bowl game in 2024, Freeze’s ranking has declined to No. 67 among Power Four coaches .
However, Freeze has made notable offseason strides.
He assembled a top-10 recruiting class for 2025, highlighted by the acquisition of former five-star quarterback Jackson Arnold from Oklahoma . Additionally, SEC coaches have praised Freeze’s efforts in enhancing Auburn’s roster through the transfer portal, suggesting the team is well-positioned for a turnaround .
The upcoming season is critical for Freeze to demonstrate progress and solidify his standing. With improved talent and depth, Auburn aims to return to bowl eligibility and contend more competitively within the SEC.
Both Venables and Freeze have the opportunity to reshape their narratives in 2025. Their teams’ performances will be closely watched as indicators of their coaching trajectories.