The Oklahoma Sooners are still seeking their first college football playoff win after four chances. The last attempt came in 2019 when the Sooners ran into a buzzsaw with the Louisiana State Tigers. Prior to that game, they played against Alabama, which resulted in an 11-point loss. The double-overtime game against Georgia in 2017-18 was their closest effort to the elusive win.
Recently ESPN (subscription required) listed their teams who improved their chances to get into the playoffs most following the 2021 recruiting class. For Oklahoma, they added three former Tennessee Volunteers to help fill needs on both sides of the ball.
Lincoln Riley and his staff turned Norman into Knoxville West, as former Vols Wanya Morris, Eric Gray and Key Lawrence transferred to the Sooners. The 6-foot-5, 320-pound Morris is expected to lock down a starting offensive tackle spot and play for a season before heading off to the NFL, while Gray brings more than 1,300 yards rushing over two seasons to a talented backfield.
Standout wide receiver Marvin Mims became the top target for Spencer Rattler a year ago, leading the team in yards and touchdown receptions. For the team to continue their upward trajectory, some more freshmen will need to become impact players along with the three incoming transfers. The Sooners added plenty of candidates in the 2021 recruiting class that finished just outside the top 10 according to 247Sports composite team rankings.
Last season, Marvin Mims excelled as a freshman receiver. In 2021, it may well be Mario Williams, who is already on campus for the spring. Cody Jackson is another talented receiver already on campus. EDGE prospect Clayton Smith is also on campus, and could help fill a need as a pass-rusher. Defensive end Kelvin Gilliam won’t arrive until the summer, but he has a bright future and could be called up early.
While junior college defensive tackle Isaiah Coe isn’t expected to have the same impact Perrion Winfrey did a season ago, being on campus does provide for depth right away.
It will be the rise of the defense that will tell the world if the Oklahoma Sooners are ready to conquer those demons of the postseason. A group that has been trending in a positive direction under Alex Grinch since he arrived on campus.
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