Oklahoma Sooners Claim Only One Spot in ESPN’s Top 100 for 2024
The Oklahoma Sooners football program has long been considered one of the premier college football programs in the country. With a rich history of success, including multiple national championships, conference titles, and Heisman Trophy winners, the Sooners have earned their place as a blue-chip program. However, when ESPN released its list of the Top 100 college football players for the 2024 season, only one player from the Oklahoma roster was represented in that elite group.
This marks a sharp contrast from previous years, where Oklahoma often saw multiple players included in the rankings, particularly in skill positions like quarterback, wide receiver, and running back. The singular appearance of an Oklahoma player on ESPN’s Top 100 is a clear indication that the program is going through a period of transition and recalibration. Despite this, the Sooners are still poised to compete at a high level in the Big 12 Conference and beyond.
The Impact of the Absence of Multiple Sooners in the Top 100
The absence of numerous Sooners in the ESPN Top 100 for 2024 could be seen as a direct result of the program’s current transition under head coach Brent Venables. Venables took over as head coach in 2022, following the departure of Lincoln Riley to USC. While Riley’s tenure in Norman was filled with offensive explosions and the development of high-profile players, the Sooners’ defense was often underwhelming. Venables, a former defensive coordinator at Clemson, was brought in to shift the focus of the program to a more balanced approach, emphasizing defense alongside the high-octane offense that had become synonymous with the Sooners.
In his first season, Venables faced the difficult task of overhauling a defense that had been mediocre for years. While the offense, led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel, showed flashes of brilliance, the defense struggled to make key stops and was inconsistent throughout the 2022 and 2023 seasons. As a result, the lack of top-tier players on defense, combined with a slight dip in offensive production, has left the Sooners without the depth of talent needed to populate the Top 100 list.
Moreover, the departure of some key players to the NFL, such as wide receiver Marvin Mims and linebacker Danny Stutsman, has left a void in Oklahoma’s roster. The team’s recruiting class, while strong, still needs time to develop before it can produce consistent high-level players who can compete for spots on ESPN’s prestigious list.
Key Oklahoma Sooners in the Top 100
Despite the struggles and lack of representation across the Top 100 list, one player stands out as a beacon of hope for the Sooners’ future: offensive lineman Anton Harrison. Harrison, who has been a standout performer on Oklahoma’s offensive line, is the only Sooner included in the rankings. His inclusion is a testament to his remarkable skill set, work ethic, and ability to protect the quarterback while also opening up running lanes for Oklahoma’s backs.
Harrison’s stock has risen steadily throughout his time in Norman, as he has developed into one of the best offensive linemen in the country. His combination of size, strength, and agility allows him to dominate in both the passing and running games. With his ability to neutralize opposing pass rushers, Harrison is expected to be a top NFL prospect in the 2024 draft. His inclusion in the ESPN Top 100 is a recognition of his dominance in the trenches and the pivotal role he plays in the Sooners’ offensive line.
However, despite Harrison’s individual recognition, the lack of additional Oklahoma players on the list shows the challenges that the program is currently facing in terms of overall roster depth and consistency. While Oklahoma has always been known for producing high-end talent, especially on offense, it will need more players to step up and make an impact in 2024 if the program is to return to the national conversation.
The State of Oklahoma’s Program in 2024
The Sooners’ football program is in a period of flux as it enters the 2024 season. Venables is still working to instill his philosophy on both sides of the ball, and it may take a few more seasons before the Sooners return to the same level of consistency they enjoyed under Riley. That said, Oklahoma is certainly not a program to write off. The Sooners have an abundance of talent on their roster, even if it’s not yet fully realized. Additionally, with Venables’ recruiting prowess and his commitment to building a balanced team, the Sooners will be well-positioned for future success.
Offensively, Oklahoma has several potential breakout players. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who has been solid during his tenure in Norman, will look to lead the offense with a more established and talented supporting cast. The Sooners have also recruited top-tier talent at running back and wide receiver, although these players are still working to prove themselves at the collegiate level.
Defensively, Venables has made it a point to focus on developing players in the front seven. While the Sooners’ defense has struggled in recent seasons, the addition of key recruits and the development of young players should help stabilize that side of the ball in 2024. If the defense can take a step forward, it will ease the burden on the offense and allow Oklahoma to compete for a Big 12 title.
What’s Next for the Oklahoma Sooners?
As Oklahoma enters the 2024 season, the program will be looking to return to prominence on the national stage. The Sooners have historically been a powerhouse in college football, and while they may not be as deep with individual talent as in years past, there is still plenty of hope for the future.
The biggest area of focus for Venables will be recruiting and player development. While Oklahoma remains a top-tier program in terms of talent, the Sooners will need to continue to recruit at a high level, particularly on defense, to regain their standing among the nation’s elite programs. Players like Anton Harrison are proof that Oklahoma can still develop elite-level talent, but the program needs to continue to produce future stars who can challenge for spots on lists like ESPN’s Top 100.
Oklahoma’s future also hinges on its ability to adjust to the changing landscape of college football. With the increased influence of the transfer portal, Venables will need to be strategic in how he builds his roster, adding impact players who can make an immediate difference. The Sooners will also need to stay competitive in the ever-evolving world of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) to attract and retain top talent.
In conclusion, the Oklahoma Sooners may have only one player in ESPN’s Top 100 for 2024, but the program is far from being in a state of decline. Under Brent Venables, the Sooners are undergoing a transition that will take time to fully materialize. The Sooners still have plenty of talent on their roster, and with continued development and strong recruiting, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the future. For now, fans will have to be patient as the program works to regain its place among college football’s elite.
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