CBS Sports writer picks Oklahoma Sooners to exceed predictions
The Oklahoma Sooners are no strangers to high expectations. As one of the most storied programs in college athletics, particularly in football, the Sooners have been the subject of numerous preseason predictions, many of which have seen them poised for greatness. However, there is something particularly intriguing about this year’s Oklahoma team—something that has caught the attention of CBS Sports and has prompted a bold prediction from one of their respected writers. This season, Oklahoma is being pegged not just to meet expectations, but to exceed them in a way that could have profound implications not only for the team but for the entire landscape of college football.
CBS Sports writer Tom Fornelli, known for his insightful analysis and candid takes, recently made waves with his bold prediction that Oklahoma will surpass the expectations set for them this season. While preseason predictions are a staple of sports journalism, they are often cautious, based on past performance and historical trends. Yet, Fornelli sees something in this Oklahoma team that suggests they are on the verge of taking a major leap forward. His assessment of the Sooners isn’t just about what they’ve done in the past; it’s about the potential they have to surprise everyone and perform beyond the conservative forecasts many have set for them.
It’s not hard to understand why Oklahoma is often predicted to do well—they are, after all, a perennial powerhouse in college football. The Sooners have a legacy that’s been built on winning, and they are consistently one of the top programs in the Big 12, with their eyes always set on a spot in the College Football Playoff. Historically, Oklahoma has had some of the best quarterbacks in the nation, including Heisman winners like Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts. With a pedigree like that, expectations are naturally high.
However, what makes this year different is that the Sooners enter the season with a mix of uncertainty and untapped potential. Many pundits, including Fornelli, believe that this uncertainty is actually a hidden asset. Oklahoma has undergone some transitions over the past few seasons, including a change in head coach and some significant roster shifts. With Lincoln Riley’s departure to USC, many wondered how Oklahoma would adjust, particularly with the pressure of continuing to compete at a high level. But Fornelli sees the changes as an opportunity for the Sooners to reinvent themselves, and he believes this could be the year they exceed what many predict for them.
One of the key reasons for Fornelli’s optimism is the strong foundation that Oklahoma has laid over the years. The Sooners may have undergone some shifts, but they still boast a roster full of talent. The skill positions, including running back and wide receiver, are in good hands, with players who have the potential to light up the scoreboard in any game. While many teams rely on their quarterback to carry the load, Fornelli notes that Oklahoma’s ability to spread the wealth across the offense will be one of their greatest strengths. The running game, in particular, looks poised to be a force, with a deep backfield that can wear down defenses and set the tone for the offense as a whole.
Of course, the quarterback position has always been a point of focus for Oklahoma. Fornelli points to the uncertainty at quarterback as another reason why this team could surprise everyone. The Sooners have a quarterback battle on their hands, with both experienced and talented options vying for the starting role. While that uncertainty might cause concern for some teams, Fornelli sees it differently. He believes that the competition at quarterback could spark a level of intensity and focus that could propel the team to new heights. Oklahoma is known for producing top-tier quarterbacks, and with a new system in place, the right player—whomever that may be—could emerge and help the team exceed expectations.
On defense, Fornelli also sees reasons to be optimistic. In recent years, the Oklahoma defense has often been a point of weakness, despite their offensive dominance. However, this season, Fornelli believes the defense has the potential to be much improved. The coaching staff has focused on making significant strides in improving the defensive side of the ball, and there is hope that the Sooners’ defense can become more of a complement to their explosive offense. With better overall balance, Fornelli suggests, Oklahoma could become a much more dangerous team—one that can win not just through high-scoring affairs but by controlling both sides of the ball.
Moreover, the changes in leadership could also prove to be a blessing in disguise for the Sooners. While Lincoln Riley’s departure to USC signaled a time of transition, it also opened the door for a fresh perspective. Brent Venables, Oklahoma’s new head coach, is a defensive mastermind known for his work with Clemson’s elite defenses. His leadership brings a different approach to the team, and Fornelli believes that Venables’s influence could have a major impact on the overall success of the Sooners. Venables’s defensive schemes, along with his emphasis on toughness and discipline, could help mold Oklahoma into a more well-rounded team, one that is capable of winning games with both offensive firepower and a stout defense.
Fornelli’s prediction that Oklahoma will exceed expectations isn’t just based on individual talent or coaching changes; it’s also rooted in the team’s potential to rise above the competitive nature of the Big 12. The Sooners have traditionally dominated the conference, but other teams in the Big 12 have been improving, particularly Texas and Baylor. These programs have been gaining ground and have become more formidable challengers to Oklahoma’s dominance. Fornelli recognizes this, but he believes that Oklahoma’s mixture of experience and emerging talent gives them the edge in a conference that is still finding its identity in the post-Riley era.
Another important factor in Fornelli’s prediction is the psychological resilience that the Sooners will have this season. The departures of key players and a change in coaching staff could lead some teams to falter, but Oklahoma has shown time and again that they know how to rise to the occasion. Fornelli believes that the Sooners’ culture of winning, coupled with the drive to prove themselves under a new regime, will push them to perform above expectations.
While Fornelli’s prediction of Oklahoma exceeding expectations might surprise some, it’s a reflection of the belief that the Sooners are not just a team with potential—they are a team with the right mix of talent, coaching, and motivation to make a real push for greatness. Fornelli’s article underscores the idea that college football is often about seizing opportunities when they arise, and that’s exactly what Oklahoma looks poised to do this season. With the right leadership, a roster full of talent, and a renewed sense of purpose, the Sooners could very well outperform the predictions and return to the top of the college football landscape.
Ultimately, Fornelli’s bold take on the Oklahoma Sooners is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college football. While expectations are important, they don’t always tell the full story. Teams like Oklahoma have the ability to shock the world when everything clicks. Fornelli’s confidence in Oklahoma reflects the belief that the Sooners are capable of not only meeting the bar but raising it. With the season ahead, it will be fascinating to see if the Sooners can live up to—and even exceed—the high hopes that have been set for them. One thing is for sure: Oklahoma football is once again ready to be a team to watch, and they just might surprise everyone along the way.
