Sun Nov 30 00:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Sooners Poised for Playoff Run as Venables Celebrates Senior Day
NORMAN, OK – The Oklahoma Sooners are on the cusp of a College Football Playoff berth, adding extra significance to Saturday’s Senior Day festivities against LSU. Head Coach Brent Venables will honor the first class of seniors who have spent their entire collegiate careers under his leadership, a group that has weathered adversity and laid the foundation for future success.
“Just a group of guys, there’s no quit in them,” Venables said, reflecting on the seniors’ dedication and resilience. “They’re family. Their families are your family. You’ve gone through life the last four years with them.”
This senior class, including key players like defensive tackle Gracen Halton, defensive end R Mason Thomas, and tight end Jaren Kanak, has experienced the highs and lows of college football, including two challenging 6-7 seasons. However, their unwavering commitment has played a crucial role in shaping the program’s trajectory.
Venables emphasized that the leadership and dedication of these seniors, even during tough times, were crucial in building the foundation for the team’s current success. “There is a nucleus of young guys in our locker room that did not flinch (last year),” he stated. “I saw the things that were a precursor to what we’re seeing right now.”
Currently ranked No. 8 in the College Football Playoff rankings, the Sooners are in a prime position to host a first-round playoff game. If the rankings hold, they would face No. 9 Notre Dame at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
While the playoff implications add pressure, Venables aims to savor the moment with his seniors before the 2:30 p.m. kickoff against LSU.
“Just have great appreciation,” Venables said. “There’s a football piece, a leadership piece, the quality of humans that they are… For me, my message to everybody else that’s in the locker room with ‘em, is doing their part to help these guys have an amazing, last regular season finale game experience.”
With a playoff berth within reach and a special Senior Day celebration planned, Saturday promises to be a memorable day for the Oklahoma Sooners and their dedicated fans.
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