By Mike Huesmann
This article is part one of five where I go through each power conference and the G5 looking at coaches who have something to prove in 2025 and what exactly they have to accomplish. I start with the SEC.
Brent Venables, Oklahoma
What he has to prove: Will the Sooners be more than also-rans in the SEC?
Venables was given a significant extension this offseason and it made me wonder: What are they thinking? I don’t think he’s bad, but there was no need to extend a guy who no one is trying to hire away. The Sooners had a 10-win 2023 in the Big XII, which was been sandwiched around two 6-7 seasons. I have my doubts that they will become a competitive team, relative to the level they expect, in the SEC. I did love the additions of Ben Arbuckle and John Mateer from Washington State, but there are so many other areas they’ll need to improve in to compete year after year in this conference. In addition, Venables will be the defensive coordinator for the Sooners in 2025.
https://twitter.com/JoshPateCFB/status/1906718343714783452
Clark Lea, Vanderbilt
What he has to prove: Was Vandy a one-year wonder or can they stay competitive?
There was much hype around Vanderbilt last season, going 7-6 and beating Alabama. They also lost to Georgia State who won one game in the Sun Belt. It was a feel-good story that may have been exaggerated, but we’ll find that out this year. Jerry Kill was an amazing addition for Lea as an assistant; there are few better program builders in America. But it was also Lea’s first winning record in four seasons, which includes two-win seasons in 2021 and 2023. The talent is better, but it still isn’t at the level of the rest of the conference. I’m not sure we’ll see another winning season. A regression back to the norm this year could mean Lea’s job security is tenuous.
https://twitter.com/coachajkings/status/1881521596604506514
Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss
What he has to prove: Can he get the Rebs to the playoffs?
Kiffin has done almost everything for the Rebels, but can he jump the final hurdle? I expected them to be a playoff team last year and they disappointed in that respect, losing to three teams who were worse than they were. For them – and him – to take that next step, Ole Miss needs to be a playoff team. If Austin Simmons puts together a solid first year as a starter, they’ll be in the running. The O-line should be improved, WRs and DL came in via the portal, and the roster is good. Can they avoid those meltdowns to inferior teams and make the field of 12?
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https://twitter.com/LockedOnOM/status/1907383906292076693
Hugh Freeze, Auburn
What he has to prove: Can he replicate his success from Ole Miss and Liberty?
Freeze has yet to post a winning record in two years at Auburn. He has assembled a very talented roster, but his decisions at QB still leave many of us scratching our heads. Payton Thorne was below average relative to the SEC, and now Freeze brings in Jackson Arnold. Arnold is a once-heralded recruit who lost his job at another school on this list, Oklahoma. The most important position on the field has been Freeze’s biggest problem here. He was highly successful at Liberty and Ole Miss before, so we know he can do it in the conference. The question is: Can he do it again?
https://twitter.com/AuburnLiveOn3/status/1907534162791473244
Mark Stoops, Kentucky
What he has to prove: Is he past his prime or can Kentucky get back to success and consistency under his leadership?
Hats off to Mark Stoops. He’s the best football coach Kentucky has had and has spent his career building them from an SEC backwater to respectability. So much so that we are now disappointed by seasons which were the norm before he arrived. He has taken much second-guessing lately, which I think is unfair, considering 2024 was the Wildcats’ first losing season since the COVID year in 2020. Prior to that it was 2015. Are we right to ask if he still has it? I think it’s a fair question considering the QB struggles they have had and are now relying on Zach Calzada for 2025. Does Stoops’ career give him an endless leash in Lexington? Not in the SEC it doesn’t. 2025 could be an important year for his tenure and continuity here. His legacy is already cemented.
https://twitter.com/ArmandoBarry6/status/1908550195660706090
