The 2024 college football season is nine days away, and the Oklahoma Sooners are hoping to create a little Sooner Magic in year one in the SEC.
They’ve got a more talented team than many observers are giving them credit for. Are they in the midst of an offensive line overhaul, sure. But they have a number of talented homegrown products to go along with talented and experienced transfer additions. But they still have to pull it together. If it comes together, the Sooners could be in for a big year.
It’s a deep conference that features nine teams in the US LBM Coaches Poll, but how do the Sooners and the rest of the SEC stack up in USA TODAY Sports preseason 1-134 rankings from college football writer Paul Myerberg?
More: Which SEC team has the best helmet?
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
SEC Rank: 16
Can Vanderbilt create the same New Mexico State magic that took down Auburn inside Jordan-Hare Stadium?
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Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
SEC Rank: 15
If Blake Shapen is ever going to have the breakout season, this could be the year. Jeff Lebby’s offense simplifies things and allows playmakers to make plays.
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Eakin Howard/Getty Images
SEC Rank: 14
LeNorris Sellers is one of those dual-threat quarterbacks who can elevate his team as long as he can take care of the football.
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Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
SEC Rank: 13
Hot seat watch is already on in Fayetteville. Can Sam Pittman stave it off for one more season?
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Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun
SEC Rank: 12
The schedule is tough, but Billy Napier has recruited well. If they can go bowling, he’ll get some leash.
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Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
SEC Rank: 11
The turnaround is on for the Auburn Tigers and that September 28 home date with the Sooners will be a big indicator of what their season will be.
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Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
SEC Rank: 10
It’s the Brock Vandagriff show in Lexington. Can Mark Stoops turn Kentucky into a football school?
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Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
SEC Rank: 9
Texas A&M is beginning to get a little love as a contender for the College Football Playoff. If they can pull that off in year one of the Mike Elko era, he’ll get that lifetime contract.
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Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
SEC Rank: 8
This is the lowest I’ve seen Missouri in most preseason rankings. They’re typically considered a top 15 team and should have a chance to replicate their season a year ago if they can split games against Texas A&M, Auburn, Alabama, and Oklahoma.
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Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
SEC Rank: 7
Like the Sooners, Josh Heupel has created a team that won’t solely rely on their quarterback to be superhuman. The Vols defense is going to be good. That September 21 matchup can’t get here fast enough.
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Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
SEC Rank: 6
Paul Myerberg likes the Oklahoma Sooners more than anyone else. Most publications or preseason polls have OU at No. 16 or eighth among SEC teams. The Sooners have some questions, but they’re not the only ones. Expectations are relatively low. Can they supersede them?
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Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
SEC Rank: 5
This is the time for Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels. They’re talented, experienced, and well-coached. Feels like the time is ripe for a conference title run and playoff appearance.
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Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
SEC Rank: 4
If the defense turns it around in year one under new coordinator Brandon Baker, the Tigers could be back in the national title hunt despite losing talent to the first round of the NFL draft.
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Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
SEC Rank: 3
Jalen Milroe plus Kalen DeBoer could be a recipe for an explosive offense in Tuscaloosa. The talent is still there and this is still Alabama.
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Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
SEC Rank: 2
Quinn Ewers will be in Heisman contention for much of the year, but tests against Michigan, Oklahoma, and Georgia will tell the tale of the Longhorns season.
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Alex Martin/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
SEC Rank: 1
The Georgia Bulldogs have been to three straight SEC title games and six of the last seven. If they aren’t the most successful program of the last decade, they’re right behind Alabama as the No. 2.
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