We’re still a long way from the 2022 college football season, but it’s safe to say that the national narrative about Oklahoma’s downfall has corrected itself. Remember the overreaction to Lincoln Riley’s departure at the end of November, beginning of December? Since Brent Venables came aboard, that feels like forever ago.
The Oklahoma Sooners now look like the team to beat in the Big 12 if you look at early power rankings or projections for the 2022 season.
College Football News recently released their spring power rankings ahead of the 2022 season and had the Oklahoma Sooners at No. 1 in the Big 12.
Here’s what Pete Fiutak had to say about the Sooners status as the team to beat.
New head coach Brent Venables has a world of work to do. Not only does he have to keep all the production going, but he has to do it with a slew of new parts. The defensive front isn’t starting over, but it’s not far off. The offense, though, should be amazing with a great receiving corps and UCF transfer QB Dillon Gabriel a terrific fit. – Fiutak, College Football News
The Sooners certainly lost some players to the NFL draft and the transfer portal, but they’ve done a nice job filling holes with experienced players who should be factors for the Oklahoma Sooners in 2022. Having arguably the best quarterback in the Big 12 doesn’t hurt either as Dillon Gabriel’s experience and production provide a bridge to the future for the Sooners offense.
The schedule sets up favorable inside the conference. Other than the Red River Showdown, Oklahoma gets some of the top teams in the conference at home this season. Difficult road matchups at Iowa State and West Virginia loom as potential upsets, but the Sooners are the more talented teams. If they’re able to execute in Dallas against Texas, going to Ames or Morgantown shouldn’t be too much for Brent Venables’ squad.
Let’s take a look at how College Football News ranked the Big 12 during spring ball.
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