The Oklahoma Sooners finished the 2016 as hot as anyone, grabbing their second straight Big 12 title and closed the year on a 10-game win streak. With quarterback Baker Mayfield and several top defensive players returning, the Sooners are expected to compete for a College Football Playoff berth again in 2017. Here's how they rank in the way-too-early top 25 polls published by major publications:
Chat Sports
Ranking: 6
Breakdown: "All of the big playmakers from Oklahoma's explosive offense are gone, but the leader, quarterback Baker Mayfield, is back for one last run at a national championship in Norman. Offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley will have to find a way to replace those two talented backs, but the defense should be better. Linebacker Caleb Kelly looks like he'll be a superstar next year, and pass rusher Ogbonnia Okoronkwo is ready for be a real impact player. The toughest part of the season for Oklahoma is the schedule - they have road trips at Ohio State, Kansas State and Oklahoma State."
USA Today
Ranking: 6
Breakdown: "The Sooners obviously must improve on defense after a sluggish season, but there’s reason for optimism. Given the likely production of the Baker Mayfield-led offense, OU is simply a defense away from taking the Big 12 and returning to the Playoff. The Sooners have enormous expectations but slightly more question marks than the five teams listed above."
ESPN
Ranking: 10
Breakdown: "With quarterback Baker Mayfield returning for his senior season, the Sooners are in position to win a third consecutive Big 12 championship -- even with tailbacks Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine both leaving early. All five starters are expected to return on the offensive line, but the Sooners will have to replace All-America wideout Dede Westbrook's production, which won't be easy. OU's defense played better down the stretch, and as many as seven starters might return. OU will have to survive an early road trip at Ohio State as well as Big 12 road trips to Kansas State and Oklahoma State."
CBS
Ranking: 4
Breakdown: "OU enters 2017 with the longest active winning streak (10 games). Bob Stoops enters the season having won 10 Big 12 titles in his 18 seasons. Baker Mayfield returns for his last season as a Heisman finalist."
FOX
Ranking: 8
Breakdown: "Star QB Baker Mayfield’s presence ensures a top 10 spot for the Sooners, but there won’t be many other familiar faces on offense with WR Dede Westbrook and RBs Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon all NFL-bound. Mark Andrews may become a No. 1 receiver. LB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo emerged as a leader for a defense that shined in the Sugar Bowl. Top CB Jordan Thomas is also returning for his senior year."
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