The Oklahoma Sooners are just a month away from fall camp, which means we are that much closer to football season. Lincoln Riley has unfinished business this season. After falling to 1-2 after the first few games in 2020, the Sooners rattled off eight straight to finish 9-2.
This year Riley might just have his most talented roster to date. It also might be his best chance to get that elusive College Football Playoff semifinal victory to get into the championship game. Led by Spencer Rattler, the Sooners are viewed as one of the favorites for the upcoming season.
Athlon Sports recently ranked all 130 FBS schools for the upcoming season, and Oklahoma was inside the top five.
No. 3: Oklahoma Sooners
OU was ranked just behind the Alabama Crimson Tide and Clemson Tigers, two teams that are annual participants in the CFP. Both teams are rolling with highly-touted five-star quarterbacks entering their first season as a starter. Rattler has one season under his belt. The Sooners ranked just ahead of the Ohio State Buckeyes and Georgia Bulldogs, who finished the top five.
The Sooners have claimed six Big 12 titles in a row, and coach Lincoln Riley’s team is a heavy favorite to win the league crown once again in 2021. Oklahoma is led by an explosive offense but an improving defense gives the program a better chance to win a playoff game – or perhaps something bigger – this postseason.
A look at the strengths and concerns for the Oklahoma Sooners offensive and defensive units in 2021. Plus where the rest of the Big 12 Conference ranks on Athlon Sports’ top 130 rankings.