Oklahoma Sooners in Middle of the Pack in AP Preseason Poll

As the Sooners enter their first year in the SEC, they will look to rise the rankings and be among the best in college football.

Oklahoma will begin its journey at No. 16 in the AP preseason poll, which was released on Monday. Last season, Oklahoma entered as the No. 20 team in the preseason and rose as high as No. 5 after beginning 7-0. While there is no guarantee the Sooners can replicate that success next season, they have high expectations and will be looking to make the new 12-team College Football Playoff.

Oklahoma is no stranger to preseason rankings

Oklahoma has been among the best in the country throughout the history of college football, and that has not changed in recent years. Oklahoma has already made the top 25 in the preseason coaches poll, also coming in at No. 16.

2024 marks the 25th consecutive season Oklahoma has made the AP’s preseason top 25. However, the Sooners’ spot at No. 16 is among the worst in that span. In fact, this is only the fifth time Oklahoma has been ranked No. 16 or worse since the turn of the century. That means Oklahoma has more BCS National Championship or College Football Playoff appearances than preseason rankings outside the top 10.

Sooners have work to do in the SEC

The Sooners were always a contender to win the Big 12, even in a season like this, when they enter with the No. 16 ranking. Yet, their status in the SEC is much more fragile, and they are subject to one of the toughest schedules in the nation.

Oklahoma is one of nine SEC teams in the top 25, with the conference making up four of the top six spots. Of the other eight SEC teams in the preseason rankings, Oklahoma will face six, all ranked above the Sooners.

While Brent Venables stumbled through his first two seasons in the Big 12, a move to the SEC will provide another challenge. The Sooners will face their fair share of struggles, but the team’s high upside could lead to an unforgettable season.

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