Oklahoma Sooners football salaries reflect SEC transition challenges and revenue-sharing priorities. Brent Venables took voluntary $1 million paycut to $7.55 million for 2025, ranking 29th nationally after consecutive losing seasons.
The Sooners generate approximately $120 million in football revenue during SEC’s first full year. Oklahoma’s 1Oklahoma NIL collective distributed $32 million total to athletes across all sports, with football receiving majority allocation matching elite SEC spending.
Venables’ paycut represents unique strategic move redirecting funds toward revenue sharing while maintaining $36.16 million buyout through 2029.
His $1.385 million maximum bonus potential could restore salary to $8.935 million if Oklahoma achieves SEC Championship, though 6-7 debut season makes bonuses unlikely short-term.
Know more about the Oklahoma Sooners players biography and net worth by clicking on their name.
| Quarterbacks (QB) | Running Backs (RB) | Wide Receivers (WR) |
| Jackson Arnold | Jovantae Barnes | Nic Anderson |
| Michael Hawkins Jr. | Andy Bass | Andrel Anthony |
| Casey Thompson | Sam Franklin | Trey Brown |
| Steele Wasel | Kalib Hicks | Deion Burks |
| Brendan Zurbrugg | Chapman McKown | Ivan Carreon |
| John Mateer | Emeka Megwa | KJ Daniels |
| Jett Niu | Xavier Robinson | Jalil Farooq |
| Gabe Sawchuk | Jayden Gibson | |
| Gavin Sawchuk | J.J. Hester | |
| Taylor Tatum | Jacob Jordan | |
| Jaydn Ott | Zion Kearney | |
| Major Melson | ||
| Eli Merck | ||
| Jaquaize Pettaway | ||
| Zion Ragins | ||
| Brenen Thompson | ||
| Javonnie Gibson | ||
| Elijah Thomas | ||
| Keontez Lewis | ||
| Jer’Michael Carter |
Top 10 Highest Paid Oklahoma Football Staff 2024-2025
Oklahoma’s coaching staff salaries increased for SEC competition with Ben Arbuckle earning $1.5 million as offensive coordinator after innovative Washington State schemes, while Venables serves as de facto defensive coordinator without paying DC salary.
| Rank | Name | Position | Annual Salary | Contract Length | Total Contract Value |
| 1 | Brent Venables | Head Coach | $7,550,000 | Through 2029 | $42,000,000 |
| 2 | Ben Arbuckle | Offensive Coordinator | $1,500,000 | Through 2027 | $4,500,000 |
| 3 | Miguel Chavis | Co-DC/LBs | $1,300,000 | Through 2026 | N/A |
| 4 | Zac Alley | Co-DC/Safeties | $1,100,000 | Through 2025 | N/A |
| 5 | Bill Bedenbaugh | Offensive Line | $975,000 | Through 2025 | N/A |
| 6 | Todd Bates | Defensive Line | $900,000 | Through 2025 | N/A |
| 7 | Emmett Jones | Wide Receivers | $825,000 | Through 2025 | N/A |
| 8 | DeMarco Murray | Running Backs | $750,000 | Through 2025 | N/A |
| 9 | Kevin Johns | Tight Ends | $675,000 | Through 2025 | N/A |
| 10 | Jerry Schmidt | Special Teams | $625,000 | Through 2025 | N/A |
Ben Arbuckle’s $1.5 million offensive coordinator salary ranks 4th in SEC behind Tennessee’s Josh Heupel ($2M), LSU’s Charlie Weis Jr. ($1.9M), and Alabama’s Ryan Grubb ($1M).
His three-year deal reflects Oklahoma’s commitment to innovative play-calling after Washington State’s Air Raid system averaged 434.6 yards per game.
Venables serves as defensive coordinator without drawing separate coordinator salary, saving Oklahoma $1.5-2 million annually. Miguel Chavis and Zac Alley split co-defensive coordinator duties at $1.3M and $1.1M respectively, though Venables calls defensive plays maintaining hands-on control.
Oklahoma’s total assistant pool reaches approximately $9 million. This trails Texas ($11M), Alabama ($9.2M), and Georgia ($16.8M) but remains competitive within SEC’s middle tier, especially considering Venables’ dual HC/DC role reducing need for elite-paid defensive coordinator.
How Much Does Brent Venables Make at Oklahoma?
Brent Venables earns $7.55 million for 2025 after voluntarily reducing salary by $1 million, ranking 29th nationally and 10th in SEC.
His contract resumes scheduled increases to $8.65 million in 2026-2027, $8.75 million in 2028, and $8.85 million in 2029.
Venables’ bonus structure allows maximum $1.385 million in additional earnings. He receives $275,000 for eight wins, $300,000 for SEC Championship appearance, $350,000 for winning SEC title, and $460,000 for CFP qualification, with additional $75,000-$200,000 for playoff advancement and title.
His buyout remains unchanged at 100% of remaining contract value totaling $36.158 million if fired December 1, 2025.
Oklahoma would owe entire amount through monthly installments continuing through 2029, creating financial barrier preventing termination despite 12-14 record over two seasons.
Oklahoma Football Program Revenue Breakdown 2024-2025
| Revenue Source | Est. Amount | % of Total | Conference Rank | National Rank |
| SEC Media Rights | $50,000,000 | 41.7% | 15th SEC | Top 15 |
| Ticket Sales | $32,000,000 | 26.7% | 8th SEC | Top 20 |
| Contributions/Donations | $28,000,000 | 23.3% | 9th SEC | Top 25 |
| Licensing/Merchandise | $8,000,000 | 6.7% | 10th SEC | Top 30 |
| Other Revenue | $2,000,000 | 1.6% | N/A | N/A |
| Total Revenue | $120,000,000 | 100% | 12th SEC | 18th National |
Oklahoma generates approximately $120 million in annual football revenue during first full SEC fiscal year, ranking 18th nationally and 12th in SEC.
The program received reduced $27.5 million SEC distribution in 2023-24 transition year but receives full $50 million starting 2025-26.
SEC media rights will distribute $50 million to Oklahoma annually, representing 41.7% of football revenue.
This figure doubles Big 12’s $25 million distributions Oklahoma received previously, though the Sooners rank last among full SEC members in total program valuation at $818 million.
Memorial Stadium’s 86,520 capacity generates approximately $32 million in ticket sales, ranking 8th in SEC.
Oklahoma’s passionate fanbase maintains sellout streaks despite consecutive losing seasons, though donations of $28 million lag Alabama ($53.6M), Georgia ($101.3M), and Texas ($62M) significantly.
Oklahoma Top NIL Earners & 1Oklahoma Collective
| Player Name | Position | Est. NIL Value | Top NIL Deal | Total Deals |
| John Mateer | Quarterback | $3,200,000 | Beats by Dre | 6+ deals |
| Peyton Bowen | Safety | $800,000 | Regional partners | 4+ deals |
| Danny Stutsman | Linebacker | $750,000 | Local businesses | 3+ deals |
| Jalil Farooq | Wide Receiver | $600,000 | Multiple brands | 3+ deals |
| Billy Bowman Jr | Safety | $500,000 | Regional deals | 2+ deals |
John Mateer’s $3.2 million NIL valuation ranks 8th nationally after transferring from Washington State.
His Beats by Dre deal plus 1Oklahoma collective funding demonstrates Oklahoma’s aggressive transfer portal strategy, offering double his predecessor Jackson Arnold’s $1.6 million valuation at Auburn.
Oklahoma’s 1Oklahoma collective distributed $32 million total to athletes across all sports through September 2025 Board of Regents reporting.
Football receives estimated 60-70% ($19-22 million) matching elite SEC programs, though exact sport-by-sport breakdowns remain undisclosed by collective.
Governor Kevin Stitt’s January 2025 executive order streamlined NIL payments allowing direct university involvement.
This policy change positioned Oklahoma competitively recruiting against Texas ($22M), Alabama (sub-$20M), and Georgia ($18M estimated) despite smaller overall athletic budget.
What Do Oklahoma Assistant Coaches Earn?
Ben Arbuckle’s $1.5 million offensive coordinator salary ranks 4th in SEC and approximately 20th nationally.
His three-year deal reflects Oklahoma’s investment in innovative play-calling, though his salary remains $500,000-$1 million below elite SEC coordinators at Tennessee, LSU, and Alabama.
Miguel Chavis earns $1.3 million as co-defensive coordinator, ranking approximately 35th nationally among all assistants.
His salary combined with Zac Alley’s $1.1 million totals $2.4 million for defensive coordinator duties split with Venables, saving Oklahoma approximately $500,000 versus hiring single elite DC.
Position coaches earn $625,000-$975,000 annually. Bill Bedenbaugh’s $975,000 offensive line salary leads position coaches, reflecting Oklahoma’s tradition of elite offensive line play producing numerous NFL draft picks including Creed Humphrey, Trent Williams, and Lane Johnson.
Oklahoma vs Texas: Which Program Spends More?
Brent Venables’ $7.55 million salary trails Steve Sarkisian’s $10.6 million by $3.05 million, reflecting Texas’s Big 12 dominance versus Oklahoma’s SEC struggles.
Sarkisian’s championship pedigree and 28-8 Texas record justify premium compensation versus Venables’ 12-14 mark.
Coordinator spending favors Texas significantly. Texas offensive coordinator Kyle Flood’s estimated $1.8 million exceeds Ben Arbuckle’s $1.5 million by $300,000, while Texas DC Pete Kwiatkowski’s $1.9 million tops Oklahoma’s co-DC structure saving money through split duties.
Total program revenue heavily favors Texas. The Longhorns’ estimated $145 million exceeds Oklahoma’s $120 million by $25 million (21% advantage).
Combined with Texas’s $22 million NIL funding versus Oklahoma’s estimated $19-22 million creates sustainable competitive gaps perpetuating Red River rivalry imbalance.
FAQs
How much does Brent Venables make?
Brent Venables earns $7.55 million for 2025 after voluntary $1 million paycut, ranking 29th nationally. His contract resumes to $8.65 million in 2026-2027 with potential $1.385 million bonuses.
How much NIL money do Oklahoma players get?
Oklahoma’s 1Oklahoma collective distributed $32 million total to athletes with football receiving estimated 60-70% ($19-22 million). Quarterback John Mateer leads with $3.2 million NIL valuation including Beats by Dre deal.
What is Ben Arbuckle’s salary?
Ben Arbuckle earns $1.5 million as Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator through 2027, ranking 4th in SEC behind Tennessee, LSU, and approximately tied with Alabama’s Ryan Grubb.
How much does Oklahoma make from football?
Oklahoma generates approximately $120 million in annual football revenue during first full SEC year. The program receives full $50 million SEC distribution starting 2025-26 versus reduced $27.5M transition payment.
