The day after Alabama Crimson Tide won the national championship, the top 25 college football rankings came out for the 2021 season. The postseason rankings are in parenthesis but much has changed since January; spring practices occurred, players left for the NFL draft, some stayed for another year to up draft stock, and some players departed via the transfer portal to a new home.

A different outcome ensued for the rankings. USA TODAY Sports modified the list and released an updated version of the top 25 programs with training camps less than three months away.

Oklahoma landed on the list at No. 2 behind the Crimson Tide. Other Big 12 schools ranked among the compilation, including Iowa State at six, Oklahoma State at 21, and Texas Longhorns at 22.

2. Oklahoma

Two key transfers from Tennessee — running back Eric Gray and offensive lineman Wanya Morris — and the addition of Arkansas wide receiver Mike Woods addressed areas of need for the Sooners, who could have their best team in the playoff era. The offensive line remains a question until it can clear consistent holes for the running game. Having quarterback Spencer Rattler back in his second year as a starter should make the passing attack more consistent. No longer maligned, the defense is now a strength under coordinator Alex Grinch. Perrion Winfrey, Isaiah Thomas and Nik Bonitto headline a dominant line.

Oklahoma has been atop the college football hierarchy for the last several years but unable to reach the ultimate goal: a national championship. The Sooners have won the Big 12 title every year dating back to 2015 but fans want more. With the significant development of the defense under Alex Grinch, Oklahoma is poised to make a college football playoff run or make the grandest stage. The team is balanced with a formidable pass rush and spread offensive attack under Lincoln Riley commanded by Spencer Rattler.

If the offensive line can open seams at the line of scrimmage and form continuity with the departure of Creed Humphrey and Adrian Ealy, along with OU’s secondary limiting big plays downfield with sticky coverage, then the Sooners’ ceiling is limitless. The time is now for Oklahoma on the turf come fall.