'A bunch of real dudes': Oklahoma HC previews A&M at SEC Media Days
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The Southeastern Conference's Media Days kicked off on Monday with one of the league's premier head coaches providing many compliments about what Mike Elko is building at Texas A&M.
Entering his fifth season as the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, Brent Venables took to the podium in Tampa, Florida, to preview what his team is bringing to the table in 2026, after reaching the College Football Playoff last season.
During his time answering questions from the media, Venables spoke highly of Texas A&M, while also discussing the program's excitement to face the Aggies for the first time in Norman since 2011. The last time the two teams met was the 2013 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium, in which former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel shattered the FBS bowl record for rushing yards by a quarterback with 229 yards on just 17 carries. Manziel also threw for 287 yards and two touchdowns through the air in a dominant 41-13 win over the Sooners.
Last year, Venables and Elko reached the CFP for the first time as the head coaches of their respective programs. Both teams retained experienced quarterbacks, who are projected to be at the top of the conference in 2026. Along with the return of John Mateer, Oklahoma returns 75% of its offensive production, which ranks third in the FBS.
While there are still 124 days until the Sooners and Aggies battle at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, here are Venables comments on the upcoming matchup against Texas A&M and the impressive work from Elko in College Station:
Venables had much praise for Texas A&M offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins
Oklahoma HC Brent Venables on Texas A&M OC Holmon Wiggins: "He is a winner. Coach Elko is not going to hire any duds. He'll do a great job. Collin (Klein) did a wonderful job of establishing who they wanted to be identity-wise. Tough and physical, create explosive plays in the…
— TexAgs (@TexAgs) July 20, 2026
Venables on the opportunity to face Texas A&M in Norman this season
Venables on facing A&M: "It's exciting. It's another one of the teams that shows the depth of the SEC. Mike (Elko) and his staff have done a really good job."
"They've (built in the trenches) well. It's going to be a great challenge. It's going to be in Norman, thankfully for…
— TexAgs (@TexAgs) July 20, 2026
Venables discusses the challenge that lies ahead against the Aggies on November 21
Oklahoma HC Brent Venables on Texas A&M: "I think they understand what playing complementary football looks like, and it'll be a great, great challenge. I know they lost a lot of guys up front, but they also signed a bunch of real dudes. It will be a line scrimmage type of game,…
— TexAgs (@TexAgs) July 20, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: 'A bunch of real dudes': Oklahoma HC previews A&M at SEC Media Days
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