How Many Oklahoma Sooners Made The Athletic’s List of Best College Football Players Since 2000 and Who Was Unfairly Snubbed?
When The Athletic released its list of the best college football players since 2000, fans and analysts alike immediately began scrutinizing the selections and omissions. The list aimed to recognize the cream of the crop — athletes who not only dominated on the field but left a lasting legacy on their programs and the sport. For Oklahoma Sooners supporters, the list was a point of pride and, naturally, a source of debate. The Sooners, with their storied football tradition and numerous star players over the past two decades, certainly have a claim to multiple spots. But how many Sooners actually made the cut? And, more importantly, which deserving players were left off the list, sparking outrage and questions about fairness?
Since 2000, Oklahoma football has produced a bevy of NFL-caliber talent, Heisman Trophy winners, and players who reshaped the college game. This era includes legends like Adrian Peterson, Sam Bradford, Baker Mayfield, and Kyler Murray, each leaving an indelible mark on college football and the Sooners’ rich history. The Athletic’s list, curated with a keen eye on both individual excellence and impact, featured several Sooners, yet some prominent names were conspicuously absent, leading to lively debates among fans and pundits.
The list featured Baker Mayfield, the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner and one of the most electrifying quarterbacks of his generation. Mayfield’s college career was marked by incredible performances, a fiery competitive spirit, and a knack for elevating his team in critical moments. His journey from walk-on to the nation’s top player embodied the quintessential college football story and earned him a well-deserved place among the all-time greats.
Sam Bradford, the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner, also secured a spot on The Athletic’s list. Bradford’s poised leadership and precision passing led Oklahoma to multiple Big 12 championships and a national championship game appearance. His college statistics, combined with his ability to perform under pressure, made him a standout choice. Bradford’s tenure at Oklahoma helped restore the program’s national prominence, and The Athletic acknowledged that impact.
Adrian Peterson, though more known for his NFL dominance, was also recognized on the list for his collegiate achievements. His powerful running style and resilience set the standard for running backs during his time at Oklahoma. Peterson’s ability to consistently break tackles and gain yards after contact was a key reason the Sooners were perennial contenders. His legacy in college football goes beyond mere stats; it’s about the sheer physicality and heart he brought to every game.
Kyler Murray, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2018, was another Sooner honored by The Athletic. Murray’s dual-threat capability revolutionized the quarterback position and added a dynamic layer to Oklahoma’s offense. His unique blend of speed, agility, and throwing accuracy made defenses scramble and transformed the Sooners into a high-powered offensive machine. Murray’s place on the list was a testament to the evolving nature of college football and the rising importance of versatility at the quarterback position.
Beyond these Heisman winners, The Athletic also included other Sooners known for their standout seasons and contributions to championship runs. Players like Roy Williams, a dominant defensive back, and Trent Smith, a reliable tight end, made the list, highlighting the depth of talent Oklahoma has produced over the past two decades. This showed The Athletic’s commitment to recognizing players across different positions and roles, not just the flashy offensive stars.
However, despite this strong representation, several Oklahoma players who arguably deserved recognition were left off the list, leading to controversy. One of the most glaring omissions was wide receiver Mark Clayton. Clayton was a consistent deep threat and one of the top receivers in the country during his time at Oklahoma. His ability to stretch defenses and make highlight-reel catches was vital to the Sooners’ offensive success, yet he was inexplicably snubbed.
Another snub was linebacker Travis Lewis, known for his tenacity and leadership on defense. Lewis’s ability to read plays, make tackles, and inspire his teammates was crucial during a competitive era for Oklahoma football. Defensive players often don’t receive the same attention as offensive stars, but Lewis’s impact went beyond statistics, and many argued he should have been included for his all-around excellence.
Wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias, a dynamic playmaker with explosive speed and agility, was also absent from the list. Iglesias was a fan favorite who consistently produced big plays and helped keep defenses off balance. His versatility as a receiver and return specialist made him a unique weapon for the Sooners, and his omission raised eyebrows among Oklahoma followers.
Additionally, linebacker Rufus Alexander, who served as a defensive anchor and team captain, was missing. Alexander’s leadership and gritty play were instrumental in several important victories. His ability to elevate the defense and mentor younger players was an intangible asset that many felt deserved recognition on such a prestigious list.
The Athletic’s list, while impressive and comprehensive, also sparked broader discussions about the criteria used for inclusion. Was the list primarily driven by statistical achievements, national accolades like the Heisman Trophy, or the overall impact on the program? Some felt the emphasis on individual awards disadvantaged players who excelled in less glamorous roles or on defense. Others questioned whether newer players received an edge due to recency bias, overshadowing earlier standouts who helped build the foundation for today’s success.
From an Oklahoma perspective, the debate highlighted how rich the program’s talent pool has been since 2000. It also underscored the challenges of ranking players across different eras, positions, and styles of play. College football is a team sport, and sometimes players who make their teammates better or contribute in ways not fully captured by statistics are overlooked in lists like these.
The snubs sparked passionate conversations on social media and forums dedicated to Sooners football. Fans shared highlight reels, stats, and personal anecdotes in defense of the omitted players, creating a vibrant dialogue about legacy and recognition. Some even called for expanded or alternative lists that would allow more players to be honored for their contributions.
In conclusion, The Athletic’s list of the best college football players since 2000 included several Oklahoma Sooners who have left an indelible mark on the program and the sport. Baker Mayfield, Sam Bradford, Adrian Peterson, and Kyler Murray stood out as natural choices, each representing different facets of excellence. Yet, the absence of players like Mark Clayton, Travis Lewis, Juaquin Iglesias, and Rufus Alexander demonstrated the inherent difficulties in creating definitive rankings and the subjective nature of such lists.
For Sooners fans, the discussion doesn’t end with the publication of the list. It’s an ongoing conversation about what makes a player truly great and how to honor those who helped build one of college football’s most iconic programs. Whether on the field, in the locker room, or in the hearts of fans, these players have left legacies that go beyond any list and continue to inspire the next generation of Sooners to greatness.
