Brent Venables praises Josh Heupel’s Oklahoma legacy ahead of Week 4 showdown

Brent Venables understands the importance of this week’s SEC clash between Oklahoma and Tennessee.

But the Sooners’ head coach also understands that Tennessee’s current head coach — Josh Heupel — played a major role in elevating the Oklahoma football program.

Venables credits Heupel for playing a major role in getting the Sooners to where they are now.

Brent Venables on Heupel's legacy/reception: "There can't be someone with a stronger legacy … Sooner Magic was reignited and he was a catalyst for that. People won't forget that. #Sooners

— Eric Bailey (@EricBaileyTW) September 17, 2024

“There can’t be someone with a stronger legacy,” the Oklahoma head coach said about Heupel’s time in Norman. “Sooner Magic was reignited and he was a catalyst for that. People won’t forget that.” 

When Bob Stoops took over as the Oklahoma head coach in 1999, the Sooners hadn’t won a conference title since 1987. But in 2000, with Josh Heupel as the Sooners’ QB, Oklahoma cruised to an undefeated season — and not only won a conference title — but went on to win the national championship.

It was Oklahoma’s first national title of the BCS era and helped propel the Sooners on to the national scene, with recruits flocking to Norman to join Stoops’ team. Heupel was also the Heisman runner-up in 2000 and was named AP Player of the Year, along with the Archie Griffin award, Walter Camp award and numerous other honors.

Oklahoma would go on to win 9 more conference championships until Stoops stepped away in 2016, handing the team over to Lincoln Riley, who was one of the hottest offensive coordinators in the country.

As for Heupel the individual, Venables described the Vols’ head coach as “first class” and a winner who wins everywhere he has been. Venables also understands Tennessee is playing like one of the best teams in the entire country, so it will not be an easy task on Saturday.

Venables on Josh Heupel: “He’s first class in every way… He’s done a great job everywhere he’s been… Winners win and he’s won everywhere he’s been.” #Sooners

— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) September 17, 2024

Venables: “It’s hard to say anyone is playing better in the country right now than Tennessee.” #Sooners

— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) September 17, 2024

On Saturday, Venables will attempt to knock off Heupel and the red-hot Tennessee Volunteers.

Sean Labar

Sean Labar is an SEC football contributor for Saturday Down South.