Sooners No. 9 in preseason AP Top 25

The Oklahoma Sooners are 19 days away from opening the season against the UTEP Miners, marking Brent Venables’ debut as OU’s head coach.

The time for talk is nearly over. Oklahoma will soon get to prove just what they’re made of on the football field.

Despite the turnover and the disappointing end to the 2021 season, Oklahoma still received a lot of respect from the pollsters. A week after landing at No. 9 in the USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll, Oklahoma comes in at No. 9 in the preseason AP Top 25.

Once again, the Sooners are the highest-ranked Big 12 team, coming in one spot ahead of the reigning Big 12 champion Baylor Bears. Oklahoma State comes in at No. 12, and that’s it for the Big 12. No other team made the AP Top 25.

Alabama leads the way at No. 1 with 54 first-place votes. Ohio State is No. 2, and Georgia is No. 3.

The SEC leads the way with six teams inside the top 25, followed by the ACC with five.

Here’s a look at the rest of the AP Top 25.

1
Alabama Crimson Tide

Sep 18, 2021; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban talks with quarterback Bryce Young (9) against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

2021 Record: 13-2

USA TODAY Coaches Poll: 1

For more coverage on the Alabama Crimson Tide, check out Roll Tide Wire.

2
Ohio State Buckeyes

Nov 6, 2021; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) looks to throw a pass during the second quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

2021 Record: 11-2

USA TODAY Coaches Poll: 2

For more coverage on the Ohio State Buckeyes, check out Buckeyes Wire.

3
Georgia Bulldogs

Dec 31, 2021; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs fans celebrate with Georgia Bulldogs defensive…