$20 million whopping donation for Oklahoma before Sooners' SEC debut in major conference realignment era

The Oklahoma Sooners, who are now part of the SEC, received a $20 million donation to support NIL initiatives. Bartlesville, Oklahoma, residents Brian and Kim Kimrey pledged the donation.

The Kimrey family has been a known donor for Sooners athletics, and they pledged a historic $20 million gift to the University of Oklahoma baseball and football programs. They donated $10 million to each of these programs. This marks the third time the Kimrey family has contributed to the baseball program.

“We cannot exhaust our gratitude to Brian and Kim for their consistent faith in and support of OU Athletics,” said OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Castiglione. “This gift demonstrates their selflessness, yes, but it also illustrates the importance of investing in people and programs, a foundational tenant of how we’ve been able to sustain success across our department.

"The size of this gift is undoubtedly significant, and we’re thrilled for what it means for the future of OU Baseball and the possibilities it presents for potential future football facility projects.

“The Kimrey’s generosity isn’t limited to what they’ve given monetarily to OU; they have a deep generosity of spirit which has resonated immensely with our student-athletes and staff. We’re ever so grateful for their belief in what we are building for OU Baseball and their trust that we will steward their resources well.”

The money will be used to help land recruits for both the baseball and football teams, as Kimrey says he wants to help both teams have success in their first year in the SEC as they were part of the college football realignment.

“Our family has a profound belief in the action Oklahoma Athletics is taking to develop these young men on and off the field,” said Brian Kimrey. “We have great admiration for the values, hard work and commitment both Skip Johnson and Brent Venables are instilling in their programs.

"As the SEC embodies an elite level of competition, we are devoted to the success of our student-athletes and know the future is bright. Our passion for OU is deeply felt throughout our family, and we are honored to be able to provide these vital and necessary resources.”

Sooners head coach Brent Venables thanks Kimrey family

Following Kimrey's donation, Oklahoma Sooners football coach Brent Venables thanked them for the donation.

"Our program is beyond thankful for this amazing gift from the Kimrey family" the coach said.

"There's no doubt about it — Brian and Kim are 'all in.' This donation exemplifies their gracious support and genuine love of OU Athletics, and comes at an important time as we embark on our exciting new journey as a member of the SEC. Their astounding generosity will help us continue to compete at the highest level."

Oklahoma will open the 2024 season on August 30 against Temple. The Sooners will have notable SEC games against Tennessee, Texas, Ole Miss, Alabama, Missouri and LSU.

The Sooners are +450 to make the playoffs, according to DraftKings, which implies an 18.2% chance of winning it all.