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Sports Illustrated''s College Football Preseason Top 25: Oklahoma

Sports Illustrated College Football Preseason Top 25 Rankings: No. 25 Oklahoma Sooners

As the college football landscape continues to evolve with conference realignments and roster overhauls, the Oklahoma Sooners find themselves at a pivotal juncture entering the 2024 season. Ranked No. 25 in Sports Illustrated's preseason Top 25, the Sooners are embarking on their inaugural campaign in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), a move that promises to test their mettle against some of the nation's most formidable programs. Under head coach Brent Venables, who is now in his third year at the helm, Oklahoma is looking to build on a resurgent 2023 season while navigating the challenges of a new league and a demanding schedule. This ranking reflects a blend of optimism about their defensive prowess and questions surrounding offensive consistency, but it also underscores the program's enduring talent and recruiting appeal.

Venables, a defensive mastermind with roots in Clemson's championship runs, has steadily imprinted his philosophy on the Sooners since taking over from Lincoln Riley. After a rocky 6-7 debut in 2022, Oklahoma bounced back impressively last year, finishing 10-3 with a berth in the Alamo Bowl. That turnaround was fueled by a defense that ranked among the nation's best in several categories, including turnovers forced and sacks. Venables' emphasis on physicality and discipline has transformed what was once a liability into a strength, and that foundation will be crucial as the Sooners face SEC heavyweights like Texas, Georgia, and Alabama. However, the offense, which showed flashes of explosiveness but also inconsistency, remains a work in progress under new coordinator Seth Littrell, who brings experience from North Texas.

At the heart of Oklahoma's offensive hopes is sophomore quarterback Jackson Arnold, a highly touted recruit who steps into the starting role full-time after backing up Dillon Gabriel last season. Arnold, a five-star prospect from Denton, Texas, flashed potential in limited action, including a bowl game start where he threw for over 300 yards despite some turnovers. His arm strength and mobility make him a dual-threat option, but he'll need to refine his decision-making to thrive in the SEC's unforgiving defenses. Surrounding Arnold is a revamped receiving corps, led by veterans like Nic Anderson and Andrel Anthony, both of whom battled injuries last year but possess big-play ability. Anderson, in particular, emerged as a deep threat, averaging over 20 yards per catch in his freshman campaign. The addition of transfers like Deion Burks from Purdue adds speed and slot versatility, potentially creating mismatches.

The running back position offers depth and promise, with Gavin Sawchuk returning after a breakout sophomore year where he rushed for nearly 750 yards and nine touchdowns. Sawchuk's vision and burst complement a physical offensive line that returns four starters, including standout tackle Tyler Guyton, who opted for the NFL, but has been bolstered by transfers and young talent. Protecting Arnold and opening lanes will be paramount, especially against the stout defensive fronts Oklahoma will encounter in the SEC. Littrell's scheme, which blends pro-style elements with tempo, aims to maximize these weapons, but the unit must improve its red-zone efficiency after struggling at times last season.

Defensively, the Sooners are poised to be the team's calling card once again. Venables' unit ranked in the top 20 nationally in scoring defense last year, a marked improvement from his first season. Leading the charge is linebacker Danny Stutsman, a tackling machine who opted to return for his senior year instead of entering the NFL Draft. Stutsman's leadership and instincts make him the heartbeat of the defense, capable of disrupting plays in the backfield and covering in space. He's joined by fellow linebacker Kip Lewis and a deep rotation that includes promising underclassmen like Peyton Bowen at safety.

Up front, the defensive line is anchored by Ethan Downs and Jacob Lacey, with transfers like Damonic Williams from TCU adding interior bulk to combat the run-heavy attacks prevalent in the SEC. The secondary, while losing some key pieces like Billy Bowman (who also returned), has been fortified through the portal with additions such as Dezjhon Malone from San Diego State. This group excels at creating chaos, as evidenced by their 20 interceptions last season, but they'll need to adapt to the more balanced offenses in their new conference. Special teams could be a wildcard, with kicker Zach Schmit providing reliability and punter Luke Elzinga offering field-position advantages, though return games remain an area for growth.

Oklahoma's schedule is a gauntlet that could define their season. They open with non-conference tilts against Temple and Houston, providing early tune-ups before diving into SEC play. The Red River Rivalry against Texas on October 12 looms large, especially with both teams now in the same conference. Road trips to Auburn, Ole Miss, and Missouri present tough tests, while home games against Tennessee, South Carolina, and Alabama could swing their fortunes. The season finale at LSU adds another layer of intrigue. If the Sooners can navigate this slate with a 9-3 or better record, a spot in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff isn't out of reach, but anything less might signal growing pains in the SEC.

Recruiting has been a bright spot for Venables, who has secured top-10 classes in recent cycles, emphasizing in-state talent and defensive athletes. The 2024 class features blue-chip prospects like defensive end David Stone and wide receiver Zion Kearney, who could contribute immediately. The transfer portal has been a double-edged sword—Oklahoma lost some offensive firepower but gained key pieces on both sides of the ball. This influx of talent underscores the program's resilience amid the Riley exodus and conference shift.

Overall, the No. 25 ranking feels like a cautious nod to Oklahoma's potential rather than a definitive endorsement. Venables has instilled a culture of toughness that aligns well with SEC demands, but the offense must evolve to match the league's elite. If Arnold settles in quickly and the defense maintains its edge, the Sooners could climb higher and perhaps even contend for an SEC title in their debut year. However, inconsistencies or injuries could lead to a middling finish, highlighting the challenges of transitioning from Big 12 dominance to SEC parity. Fans in Norman are optimistic, drawing on the program's storied history—seven national championships and a legacy of Heisman winners—but this season will reveal whether Oklahoma is ready to reclaim its place among the elite or if more rebuilding is needed.

Looking deeper into the quarterback room, Arnold isn't without competition. Michael Hawkins, a true freshman with elite athleticism, could push for snaps if Arnold falters, adding an element of intrigue. The coaching staff has emphasized competition, which could accelerate development. On offense, the tight end group, led by Bauer Sharp, provides a safety valve for Arnold, with Sharp's blocking and receiving skills fitting Littrell's balanced approach.

Defensively, the scheme's complexity under Venables and coordinator Zac Alley allows for versatility, mixing coverages and blitz packages to keep opponents off-balance. This adaptability will be tested against quarterbacks like Carson Beck of Georgia or Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss. The linebacker corps, beyond Stutsman, includes Jaren Kanak, whose speed off the edge could lead to double-digit sacks.

Special teams depth includes return specialist Jalil Farooq, whose speed could flip fields in crucial moments. The kicking game, while solid, needs to avoid the occasional misses that plagued them last year.

Schedule-wise, the non-conference portion includes a matchup with Tulane, which could be sneaky tough given the Green Wave's recent success. The SEC opener against Tennessee at home sets the tone—win that, and momentum builds; lose, and doubts creep in. The Texas game, always a highlight, gains extra stakes in the SEC era, potentially deciding playoff fates.

Venables' leadership style, rooted in accountability and player development, has resonated with the roster. Players speak of a renewed sense of purpose, contrasting the high-octane but sometimes fragile teams under Riley. This cultural shift, combined with Oklahoma's resources—state-of-the-art facilities and passionate fanbase—positions them for long-term success.

In terms of predictions, expect the Sooners to hover around 8-4 to 10-2, depending on health and execution. A bowl win would solidify progress, but the ultimate goal is establishing SEC relevance. As the season unfolds, Oklahoma's story will be one of adaptation, resilience, and perhaps a few surprises in a conference known for its intensity.

This preseason outlook captures a team on the cusp, blending proven defensive might with offensive upside. Whether they rise above No. 25 or settle into the pack will depend on how quickly they embrace their new reality. For now, the Sooners are a fascinating watch in college football's ever-changing narrative. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/college-football/sports-illustrated-college-football-preseason-top-25-rankings-no-25-oklahoma-sooners ]