The Oklahoma Sooners are in somewhat unfamiliar territory. For the first time in six years, OU wasn’t selected as the preseason favorite. They also had zero selections to the preseason All-Big 12 team on the offensive or defensive side of the football. Punter Michael Turk was their only preseason All-Big 12 selection. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel was selected Newcomer of the Year, but missed out on preseason first-team quarterback, which was given to Spencer Sanders.
Oklahoma was No. 2 in the Big 12 preseason poll, second to Baylor. While it’s unfamiliar, it’s also a bit unsurprising. Given the turnover with the coaching staff, at the quarterback position, and on defense, it’s fair to wonder if this Oklahoma Sooners squad can contend for the Big 12 title. There’s certainly a boatload of optimism surrounding Brent Venables and the Sooners in 2022, it’s time to see it play out on the field.
While the Big 12 voters may have their doubts about the Oklahoma Sooners, the ESPN FPI still feels pretty good about OU heading into the 2022 season. In the updated Football Power Index rankings, Oklahoma comes in at No. 8. Alabama is No. 1 followed by Ohio State at No. 2 and Georgia at No. 3.
Let’s take a look at the top 25 along with each team’s projected win-loss for 2022.
Tennessee Volunteers
Nov 20, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel talks with offensive lineman Javontez Spraggins (76) during the first half against the South Alabama Jaguars at Neyland Stadium. Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN FPI: 9.7
Projected W/L: 7.1-4.9
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Dec 28, 2021; Memphis, TN, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Will Rogers (2) passes the ball during the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Liberty Bowl Stadium. Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN FPI: 10.6
Projected W/L: 6.5-5.5
Oregon Ducks
Nov 27, 2021; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks fans sing during a time out during the second half against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. The Ducks won 38-29. Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN FPI: 10.6
Projected W/L: 8.6-3.8
Baylor Bears
Dec 4, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Baylor Bears running back Abram Smith (7) hurdles Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive tackle Israel Antwine (95) during the first half of the Big 12 Conference championship game at AT&T Stadium. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN FPI: 10.7
Projected W/L: 7.7-4.5
Wisconsin Badgers
Dec 7, 2019; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers fans react to a…