Big 12 Taunts Brent Venables Over Conference Remarks on Social Media
Brent Venables, head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, sparked a heated discussion following his recent comments about the Big 12 Conference. After a disappointing 23-6 loss to Texas, Venables reflected on his team’s performance and noted a shift in competition since joining the SEC.
Big 12 Responds to Venables’ Remarks
On October 14, 2025, Venables faced questions about Oklahoma’s ability to perform in tightly contested games. He emphasized the need for his players to adapt to the challenges within the SEC, contrasting it with his experiences in the Big 12.
Venables stated, “It’s the tough-mindedness that you want your guys to play with.” He highlighted the importance of staying composed during challenging moments, noting that the competitive landscape has changed since Oklahoma’s days in the Big 12.
In response to his comments, the official Big 12 social media account pointed out Venables’ struggles while coaching within the conference. The tweet mentioned that he lost eight conference games over two seasons.
Oklahoma’s Conference Performance
Under Venables, the Sooners have had a challenging tenure in the Big 12. Here’s a look at their conference records:
- 2022: 3-6
- 2023: 7-2
Overall, Oklahoma’s performance in conference play was 10-8 during Venables’ first two years. In contrast, the program had a distinguished history in the Big 12 prior to his arrival, with a winning percentage of .823 from 2000 to 2021. This included capturing 14 conference titles and achieving an impressive record of 153 wins against 33 losses.
A Shift in Focus
Now, as Oklahoma transitions fully into SEC competition, the team aims to improve its game strategy under Venables’ guidance. He acknowledges the heightened competition but also expresses a desire to develop a resilient mindset within his players.
While the Big 12 has reacted strongly to Venables’ remarks, the coach remains focused on building a successful program in this new environment. His comments have opened a dialogue about the differences in conference dynamics and the challenges that lie ahead for the Sooners.
