Oklahoma No.5 in the SI preseason Top 25
Last year: 12–2 (8–1 Big 12); Lost to Georgia in College Football Playoff semifinal
SI Top 100 players: One: RB Rodney Anderson (No. 30)
X-Factor: With Baker Mayfield gone, junior Amani Bledsoe might be the one to keep the Sooners’ streak of straight Big 12 titles alive. That’s fine with the 6'5", 287-pound defensive end, who can’t wait to play a full season. During his redshirt freshman year in 2016, Bledsoe tested positive for a banned substance and was suspended for a year by the NCAA. (He is suing to regain that year of eligibility.) After missing the final seven games of ’16 and the first four of last season, Bledsoe made 19 tackles and had two sacks in 10 games. In OU’s 3–4 defense, he will face double teams constantly, but he should still be able to disrupt opposing running games and pressure the quarterback. — Andy Staples
Last year: 12–2 (8–1 Big 12); Lost to Georgia in College Football Playoff semifinal
SI Top 100 players: One: RB Rodney Anderson (No. 30)
X-Factor: With Baker Mayfield gone, junior Amani Bledsoe might be the one to keep the Sooners’ streak of straight Big 12 titles alive. That’s fine with the 6'5", 287-pound defensive end, who can’t wait to play a full season. During his redshirt freshman year in 2016, Bledsoe tested positive for a banned substance and was suspended for a year by the NCAA. (He is suing to regain that year of eligibility.) After missing the final seven games of ’16 and the first four of last season, Bledsoe made 19 tackles and had two sacks in 10 games. In OU’s 3–4 defense, he will face double teams constantly, but he should still be able to disrupt opposing running games and pressure the quarterback. — Andy Staples
