Brent Venables’ first couple of seasons as head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners were plagued by poor special teams play. That rebuild doesn’t get as much discussion as the defense rebuild, but it’s been quite a turnaround.
The Sooners ranked No. 72 in special teams efficiency in 2022. That percentage fell to No. 127 in 2023. Then Venables made an under-the-radar decision. He hired Doug Deakin to lead special teams after spending six seasons at his alma mater, the San Diego Aztecs.
His first season saw big improvement as Oklahoma jumped to No. 41. Last season, the unit moved to No. 10 and kicker Tate Sandell won the Lou Groza Award. This season, they’ve fallen to No. 38, but a blocked punt for a touchdown was a key part of Oklahoma’s upset of the No. 1 Texas Longhorns.
Venables revealed what stood out about Deakin when he hired him.
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“We just looked at who was doing well in college football,” Venables said. “Our former special teams coordinator was able to kind of testify on behalf of Doug as a coach and character reference. Certainly looked at his body of work. What he had done. Didn’t know how interested he would really be just because his background was all in the state of California. We immediately hit it off.”
Deakin’s impact has become an important part of Oklahoma’s turnaround under Venables, giving the Sooners another way to win games when the offense struggles to find consistency. From Sandell’s reliable kicking to the blocked punt that helped swing the Texas game, special teams has delivered in moments that can change the course of a season. The unit’s current ranking leaves room for improvement, but its recent history shows how far it has come from the struggles of 2023.
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables walks with players before the game against the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie Powers III (3) tackles Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the second half at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
(Jerome Miron, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) scores a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive line Hero Kanu (93) tackles Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) during the second half at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
(Jerome Miron, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners kicker Preston Tarpley (33) reacts during the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) celebrates with offensive line Noah Best (52) after scoring a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Markel Ford (5) reacts during the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oklahoma celebrates a blocked punt for a touchdown in the first half Red River Rivalry college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Texas Longhorn at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Saturday, Oct., 10, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive line Alex January (97) tackles Oklahoma Sooners running back Tory Blaylock (6) during the first half at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
(Jerome Miron, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; An Oklahoma Sooners cheerleader looks on during the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) looks to pass against the Texas Longhorns during the first half at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
(Jerome Miron, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive line Trent Wilson (90) tackles Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the first half at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oklahoma’s John Mateer (10) leads the team on the field for warm ups before the Red River Rivalry college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Texas Longhorn at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Saturday, Oct., 10, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners pom squad/cheer members pose for a photo before the game against the Texas Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners kicker Tate Sandell (29) kicks a game-winning field goal against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
(Jerome Miron, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners kicker Tate Sandell (29) celebrates after kicking the game-winning field goal against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) runs to score a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) runs against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
(Jerome Miron, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) rides the Sooner Schooner as he celebrates after the Sooners defeat the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
(Jerome Miron, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners place kicker Tate Sandell (29) celebrates with his teammates and the Golden Hat after the Sooners defeat the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
(Jerome Miron, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) while wearing the Golden Hat after the game against the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) waves to the crowd after the Sooners defeat the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
(Jerome Miron, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) wears the Golden Hat after the game against the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma’s improbable win over the Texas Longhorns
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables walks with players before the game against the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma’s improbable win over the Texas Longhorns
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables walks with players before the game against the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma’s improbable win over the Texas Longhorns
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie Powers III (3) tackles Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the second half at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
(Jerome Miron, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma’s improbable win over the Texas Longhorns
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) scores a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma’s improbable win over the Texas Longhorns
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive line Hero Kanu (93) tackles Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) during the second half at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
(Jerome Miron, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma’s improbable win over the Texas Longhorns
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners kicker Preston Tarpley (33) reacts during the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Oklahoma’s offensive line is building momentum after win over Texas
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) celebrates with offensive line Noah Best (52) after scoring a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma’s improbable win over the Texas Longhorns
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Markel Ford (5) reacts during the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma’s improbable win over the Texas Longhorns
Oklahoma celebrates a blocked punt for a touchdown in the first half Red River Rivalry college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Texas Longhorn at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Saturday, Oct., 10, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos from Oklahoma’s improbable win over the Texas Longhorns
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive line Alex January (97) tackles Oklahoma Sooners running back Tory Blaylock (6) during the first half at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
(Jerome Miron, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma’s improbable win over the Texas Longhorns
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; An Oklahoma Sooners cheerleader looks on during the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Oklahoma’s John Mateer reveals confidence level after Texas win
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) looks to pass against the Texas Longhorns during the first half at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
(Jerome Miron, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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How SEC teams ranked in latest USA TODAY Sports 1-138 rankings
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive line Trent Wilson (90) tackles Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the first half at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma’s improbable win over the Texas Longhorns
Oklahoma’s John Mateer (10) leads the team on the field for warm ups before the Red River Rivalry college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Texas Longhorn at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Saturday, Oct., 10, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos from Oklahoma’s improbable win over the Texas Longhorns
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners pom squad/cheer members pose for a photo before the game against the Texas Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma’s improbable win over the Texas Longhorns
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners kicker Tate Sandell (29) kicks a game-winning field goal against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
(Jerome Miron, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma’s improbable win over the Texas Longhorns
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners kicker Tate Sandell (29) celebrates after kicking the game-winning field goal against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma’s improbable win over the Texas Longhorns
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma’s improbable win over the Texas Longhorns
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) runs to score a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma’s improbable win over the Texas Longhorns
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) runs against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
(Jerome Miron, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma’s improbable win over the Texas Longhorns
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) rides the Sooner Schooner as he celebrates after the Sooners defeat the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
(Jerome Miron, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Oklahoma determined to avoid post-Texas hangover
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners place kicker Tate Sandell (29) celebrates with his teammates and the Golden Hat after the Sooners defeat the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
(Jerome Miron, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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How SEC teams ranked in latest USA TODAY Sports 1-138 rankings
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) while wearing the Golden Hat after the game against the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma’s improbable win over the Texas Longhorns
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) waves to the crowd after the Sooners defeat the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
(Jerome Miron, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma’s improbable win over the Texas Longhorns
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) wears the Golden Hat after the game against the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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