The theme as of late has been the post-spring football power rankings. ESPN produced their version with the Oklahoma Sooners overtaking Clemson and Alabama for the top spot. So what does CBS Sports think about the Sooners after their spring camp and game?
Prior to kickoff of the spring, Oklahoma found themselves at the No. 5 spot on the list. Alabama Crimson Tide, Ohio State Buckeyes, Clemson Tigers, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish all ahead of Lincoln Riley’s squad in that order. However, the latest rankings see it a bit differently. Much like previous rankings that we have reviewed, the Sooners rose in the latest edition.
The Crimson Tide held onto the top spot once again with Clemson rising from No. 3 to that runner-up spot to Alabama. Oklahoma climbed up to the No. 3 spot ahead of Ohio State (No. 4) and the Georgia Bulldogs to round out the top five. These are the five teams that seem to have generated the most offseason buzz as of late.
A thorn in the side of Riley and company, the Iowa State Cyclones come in at No. 6. The Texas Longhorns climbed to No. 17 after being ranked No. 20. To finish up the Big 12’s presence on the board, Oklahoma State fell from No. 21 to No. 25 on the top 25 from CBS.
While the “power rankings” don’t mean much in the grand scheme of things, it is interesting to see where some national pundits rank the Sooners in their pursuit of a seventh consecutive Big 12 Championship. While that isn’t their goal for the upcoming season, the aspirations for this team are much higher. Lincoln Riley might have his most talented team yet and the rankings are reflective of that.
[listicle id=26268]
Buckle up, we could be in for a wild ride once the 2021 college football season finally kicks off with Oklahoma heading to New Orleans, Lousiana, in September.