ESPN’s Top 100 Is the Sooners quarterback being passed over? Does the Oklahoma Sooners feel disrespected?

ESPN’s Top 100: Is Oklahoma Sooners Quarterback Being Passed Over? Does the Program Feel Disrespected?

The world of college football rankings is one filled with anticipation, pride, and, at times, controversy. Every year, ESPN and other major sports outlets release their Top 100 college football players, a list that sparks heated debates, fuels fan rivalries, and causes intense scrutiny on players and their respective programs. For the Oklahoma Sooners, this year’s list of the Top 100 players has raised questions about the exclusion of a significant player, the starting quarterback. Is the Oklahoma Sooners’ quarterback being unfairly passed over? Does the program feel disrespected by the omission, or is it simply a reflection of larger trends in college football?

This article aims to explore these questions in-depth, focusing on why the Oklahoma Sooners quarterback may have been overlooked and whether this exclusion is a slight against the team’s overall standing. We’ll dive into the broader implications of ESPN’s rankings, consider the performance and impact of the Sooners’ quarterback, and investigate what the program may feel in response to this omission. In doing so, we will also examine how this situation may play into the larger narrative of the Sooners’ quest for a national championship and the role the quarterback plays in their success.

The Importance of ESPN’s Top 100

To understand the significance of this conversation, it’s important to first understand the importance of ESPN’s Top 100 college football players list. The rankings are a highly anticipated annual event that aggregates the performances and potential of the nation’s top players, bringing attention to athletes across all positions. The rankings are not just for individual accolades but also play a role in shaping public opinion, recruiting efforts, and Heisman Trophy race conversations.

A player’s placement or absence from this list has implications beyond just fan discussions. It can impact a player’s draft stock, influence NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, and reflect how college football experts and analysts view a player’s contributions to their team. Therefore, when a team like Oklahoma — with its storied history and passionate fanbase — sees its starting quarterback left out of this prestigious list, it sparks conversation and concern.

The snub of the Sooners quarterback in this year’s Top 100 may come as a surprise given the program’s recent successes and the prominence of the position in the modern game. Quarterback is, after all, one of the most important positions in college football, and any exclusion of a starting signal-caller from a list of top players invites questions about the player’s performance and the ranking system itself.

The Oklahoma Sooners’ Quarterback: Who Was Left Out?

While ESPN’s rankings are typically dominated by star players from elite programs, Oklahoma’s quarterback has been a central figure in the team’s offensive success in recent seasons. As of the 2025 season, the Sooners’ starting quarterback has shown remarkable ability, leadership, and consistency under center. The absence of the Oklahoma quarterback from ESPN’s Top 100 list raises an obvious question: What did the analysts see — or fail to see — that led to this omission?

This quarterback has had standout performances throughout his career, leading the Sooners to key victories in the Big 12 Conference and gaining national recognition for his abilities. Yet despite his talents, this player was not included in ESPN’s prestigious ranking, leaving many to wonder whether his exclusion is a sign of disrespect or simply a result of factors beyond his control. Let’s consider several factors that could have contributed to this perceived snub.

1. Strong Competition in the Position Group

Quarterback is arguably the most talent-dense position in college football. From the likes of Caleb Williams at USC to Drake Maye at North Carolina and J.J. McCarthy at Michigan, the 2025 college football season boasts a slew of elite quarterbacks. ESPN’s ranking system is subjective, and with so many exceptional quarterbacks to choose from, it’s possible that Oklahoma’s quarterback simply got lost in the shuffle of other highly accomplished players at the same position.

While the Oklahoma quarterback may have performed admirably in his games, it’s undeniable that the competition for a spot in the Top 100 rankings is fierce. Some analysts might have placed greater emphasis on consistency or championships, while others may have valued other metrics such as passing yards, touchdowns, and overall impact on the game.

2. Team Success and Context

One important thing to consider is the overall success of Oklahoma’s program and how the Sooners’ quarterback’s performance fits into that larger context. While individual success is critical, college football rankings often reflect the performance of the team as a whole. If a team struggles, even the most standout individual players can sometimes be overlooked in favor of those from higher-ranked teams.

In recent years, Oklahoma has seen some ups and downs as the program adjusted to new coaching philosophies and the changing landscape of college football. While the Sooners remain competitive in the Big 12 and are often a fixture in major bowl games, the program has faced challenges in reaching the highest levels, including the College Football Playoff (CFP). A quarterback, regardless of their individual performance, can sometimes be held accountable — whether fairly or not — for the team’s inability to break through into national contention.

While Oklahoma’s offense has remained productive, many fans feel that the lack of consistent postseason success might have affected their quarterback’s visibility on ESPN’s list.

3. Media Narrative and Reputation

The media plays a critical role in shaping public perception, and rankings are often influenced by the narrative surrounding a player or program. The Sooners’ quarterback may have simply failed to establish enough of a compelling narrative for himself this season. It’s important to note that narratives play a big role in the perception of a player’s value in rankings.

For example, players like Caleb Williams and Drake Maye are not just known for their performance but also for the stories behind their careers, whether it’s Williams’ transfer saga or Maye’s unexpected rise at North Carolina. In contrast, Oklahoma’s quarterback may have lacked the same sort of captivating storyline that resonates with voters or analysts. It’s not uncommon for a player to be overlooked if the story isn’t being told in a way that excites the media.

4. Potential for Improvement

Another reason for the quarterback’s exclusion could be the belief that he still has room for improvement. ESPN’s Top 100 is not just about a player’s performance in the past; it also factors in future potential. The Oklahoma quarterback, while talented, may not have displayed the same level of consistency or explosive playmaking ability as other quarterbacks in the rankings. Analysts may believe that he still has areas in which he needs to grow before he can be considered among the nation’s elite quarterbacks.

Despite the talented supporting cast around him, if the quarterback’s performance has been inconsistent in key moments, it could explain why he didn’t make the cut for the rankings. The perceived potential for growth and the need to refine certain aspects of his game could be one of the contributing factors.

Does Oklahoma Feel Disrespected?

The question remains: does Oklahoma feel disrespected by the omission of their quarterback from ESPN’s Top 100? The Sooners’ fanbase, as passionate as they are, certainly feels the sting of this perceived slight. Oklahoma has historically been a powerhouse in college football, and being left out of key rankings, especially in the age of social media and instantaneous reactions, doesn’t sit well with fans or alumni.

However, the program itself has remained focused on the bigger picture. Oklahoma understands that rankings, while important, don’t define their ultimate goal: winning championships. Coaches, players, and staff know that the focus should be on improving, growing as a team, and ultimately competing at the highest level — which is what the Sooners aim to do year in and year out.

Still, there’s no denying that the perception of disrespect, whether by omission or by underrating a player, can create extra motivation. The Sooners’ quarterback may use this as fuel to prove the doubters wrong, performing at an even higher level in the 2025 season to push for the recognition that many feel he deserves.