The people at Pro Football Focus see a reason for optimism with the 2023 Oklahoma Sooners. While the 2022 season was filled with disappointment for OU, PFF has the Sooners just making the cut at No. 25 in their “way too early” 2023 rankings.
After a 6-7 finish and a loss in the Cheez-it Bowl, seeing the Sooners included in power rankings is refreshing to see. While there has been a lot of turnover on the roster, Brent Venables is getting a lot of talent on both sides of the ball back from last season. Additionally, the Sooners have an infusion of talent coming via the transfer portal.
After starting the year in the top 10, Oklahoma suffered its first losing season this century in head coach Brent Venables’ first year at the helm.
Still, there are reasons to be optimistic for the Sooners in 2023. Of Oklahoma’s seven losses, five came by one score. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel is back after having the Power Five’s second-lowest turnover-worthy play rate this season (1.1%). -Max Chadwick, Pro Football Focus
Having Dillon Gabriel is better for this squad than some Oklahoma fans would admit. Gabriel’s presence and quality of play are the stabilizing force the Sooners need in 2023.
Brent Venables believes they have a better roster ahead of the 2023 season. If that comes to pass and the defense is better, No. 25 might end up being too conservative of a ranking for OU this Fall.
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