Brent Venables named to preseason watch list

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Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables received national recognition on Friday when he was named to the Dodd Trophy preseason watch list ahead of the 2026 season. The university announced that Venables is among the coaches being considered for one of college football's most respected coaching honors.

The award is named in honor of legendary Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Bobby Dodd. Established in 1976, the award recognizes an FBS coach whose program embodies three core principles: scholarship, leadership and integrity. The award goes beyond on-field success, recognizing coaches who prioritize academic achievement, community involvement and developing players beyond football.

Past winners include notable coaches such as Indiana Hoosiers' Curt Cignetti, Notre Dame Fighting Irish's Marcus Freeman, Alabama Crimson Tide's Nick Saban and Kansas State Wildcats' Bill Snyder. The only time an Oklahoma head coach has won the award was in 2003, when Bob Stoops received the honor.

Everything the Dodd Trophy recognizes is exactly how Venables has wanted to develop his teams. Venables has consistently emphasized that success is measured not only by wins and losses but also by the development of his players as people.

That's a big reason he started the SOUL Mission when he took over. Venables has spent the last four seasons rebuilding Oklahoma's culture. While the results on the field will ultimately determine his candidacy, his commitment to leadership, academics and player development makes him a natural fit for what the Dodd Trophy represents. If Oklahoma competes for championships in 2026, Venables could add another major honor to his growing résumé.

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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Brent Venables named to preseason watch list

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