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College Football Rankings: Top 25 after spring practice

By Cody Williams

Nov 26, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) scrambles out of the pocket against the Auburn Tigers during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) scrambles out of the pocket against the Auburn Tigers during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2017; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jeffery Mead (15) catches a pass in front of Oklahoma Sooners safety Prentice McKinney (29) during the spring game at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jeffery Mead (15) catches a pass in front of Oklahoma Sooners safety Prentice McKinney (29) during the spring game at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oklahoma Sooners

2016: 11-2, 

Baker Mayfield, predictably, is the beginning and end of the Oklahoma Sooners. He’s proven over the past two seasons that, although it’s not always going to be pretty, his grit and leadership on the football field are near unmatched. Mayfield is a playmaker in the purest sense of the word and he showed that ability hasn’t gone anywhere (though staying out of trouble off the field might be the biggest key for him). With that said, his supporting cast might be just as effective as it was a year ago.

The 1-2 punch in the backfield of Samaje Perine and the much-maligned Joe Mixon was lethal for the Sooners a year ago. Oklahoma’s spring game revealed that they have a host of players who look ready and primed to at least replicate that effort as a committee. What’s more, Mayfield may have an even more dangerous weapon at receiver than Dede Westbrook in Jeffery Mead. Not only is the 6-foot-5 Mead towering in comparison to Westbrook, but he has the speed and playmaking ability that could make him near uncoverable.

Typical of Oklahoma and the Big 12, their offense is going to stay humming but will need their defense to be some level of competent if they’re going to be national title contenders. Their switching to a 4-3 defense this season in hopes of trying to stabilize that side of the ball more. If that works, and it did to varying degrees in the spring game as they’re still in an adjustment period, the Sooners will be able to compete with just about anyone.

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