Oklahoma takes over top spot in post-spring power rankings
While perennial title contenders Alabama, Clemson and Ohio State will have to replace quarterbacks this year, Oklahoma returns Spencer Rattler, helping the Sooners take the top spot in our updated offseason rankings.
www.espn.com
Here's what ESPN wrote about the Tigers:
2020 record: 5-5 SEC
Projected returning starters: nine offense, nine defense, one special teams
Key losses: LB Jabril Cox, S JaCoby Stevens, WR Terrace Marshall Jr., P Zach Von Rosenberg, WR Racey McMath, TE/FB Tory Carter
Key additions: S Derrick Davis Jr., OT Garrett Dellinger, DT Maason Smith, ATH Sage Ryan, DE Bryce Langston, LB Mike Jones Jr., G Kimo Makaneole
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 20
Outlook: After flaming out in the defense of their national championship in 2020, the Tigers are undergoing a massive rebuild. Coach Ed Orgeron has two new coordinators -- former Carolina Panthers assistant Jake Peetz is leading the offense and former Minnesota Vikings secondary coach Daronte Jones is guiding the defense. There are three other new assistants as well, including passing game coordinator DJ Mangas, who like Peetz worked with former LSU coordinator Joe Brady.
There was a four-way battle for the starting quarterback job this spring, and Myles Brennan and Max Johnson will keep competing into preseason camp. Brennan opened 2020 as the starter, but he missed the final seven games with a torn abdominal muscle. Johnson played well as a freshman last season, and Peetz might favor his mobility.
The Tigers brought back their entire starting offensive line, although Anthony Bradford was pushing right guard Chasen Hines during the spring. It needs to perform better than it did a year ago. Marshall Jr. turned pro, along with Ja'Marr Chase, who opted out of the entire 2020 season. Tight end Arik Gilbert's availability for next season is also uncertain.
