Oklahoma lands at No.6 in USA TODAY Sports’ ‘Way to Early’ top 25 for 2022
Just mere days after the 2021 season ended with the Georgia Bulldogs staking their undeniable claim to the throne atop the college football world by beating Alabama in the national championship game, the world is already looking forward to the next season. Our friends at the mothership at USA TODAY Sports released an early top 25 for 2022 (subscription required) as we head into the offseason. Here’s What Paul Myerburg and Erick Smith had to say about the Oklahoma Sooners.
Transition season doesn’t even begin to describe the changes in Norman. Lincoln Riley is gone after his fifth season as coach and heralded freshman quarterback Caleb Williams is in the portal. Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables arrives with a different approach that should make the Sooners better at stopping opponents. There are enough pieces to quickly become one of the top units in the Big 12 with Jalen Redmond and Woodi Washington among the leaders. The challenge to continue the program’s offensive success starts with new coordinator Jeff Lebby. Dillon Gabriel, his former quarterback at Central Florida, arrives in the transfer portal. Marvin Mims leads what should be a strong receiving unit. The offensive line has several vacancies, but has been an area of disappointment and it could improve under the physical approach of Venables. – Myerburg and Smith, USA TODAY Sports
The two college football analysts bring some valid points to the discussion. Redmond and Washington are undoubtedly going to have to be leaders on the field for Oklahoma to be successful defensively. On top of that, they’ll need bigger presences off the field in the locker room too.
With Dillon Gabriel in Morman, Lebby has at least one quarterback he trusts and knows well. The Sooners have to replace their quarterback as it’s all but a foregone conclusion that Caleb Williams will not be returning.
The offensive line poses some of the biggest questions. Tyrese Robinson and Marquis Hayes are off to the NFL. There’s not a ton of experience to bring in to replace them. Incoming transfer McKade Mettauer figures to be a guy who fights for a real opportunity to start having been at California and starting 28 games in a row before he transferred. The Sooners are also competing for the services of two five-star offensive linemen in Josh Conerly and Devon Campbell.
Coming in at No. 6 seems a bit high but if things fall their way and they are able to maximize some opportunities in the transfer portal, heading into the season as a top 10 team isn’t that far off at all.
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Oklahoma Sooners 2022 transfer portal tracker
