Only one player from the Oklahoma Sooners makes ESPN’s 2024 top 100.
Only One Player from the Oklahoma Sooners Makes ESPN’s 2024 Top 100
As the 2024 college football season approaches, fans and analysts alike are eagerly predicting which players will dominate the college football landscape. Each year, ESPN releases its annual ranking of the top 100 players in the country, a list that typically highlights the future stars of the NFL and college football. While many programs see multiple players represented on this prestigious list, the Oklahoma Sooners find themselves with only one player on ESPN’s 2024 Top 100: junior quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
Gabriel’s inclusion on this list has sparked a mix of excitement and frustration among Oklahoma fans. On one hand, his recognition affirms the high expectations surrounding the Sooners’ quarterback heading into the 2024 season. On the other hand, it raises questions about the future of the Sooners’ roster and their ability to attract the kind of elite talent that is needed to compete at the highest level.
In this article, we’ll explore the significance of Dillon Gabriel’s place in ESPN’s Top 100, the potential reasons for Oklahoma’s relatively sparse representation, and what it means for the Sooners’ chances in 2024 and beyond.
Dillon Gabriel’s Place in ESPN’s Top 100
Dillon Gabriel’s inclusion in ESPN’s Top 100 players for the 2024 season is a testament to his growth as a quarterback and his status as one of the top signal-callers in college football. Gabriel, who transferred to Oklahoma from UCF in 2022, has had an impressive career, showcasing his ability to make plays both with his arm and his legs.
Gabriel’s 2023 season was marked by significant strides in leadership, consistency, and his connection with Oklahoma’s receiving corps. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns in the 2023 season, earning a reputation as a dual-threat quarterback capable of changing the game both in the air and on the ground. His mobility, accuracy, and poise under pressure make him a formidable force for opposing defenses.
As Oklahoma enters the 2024 season, Gabriel is expected to be one of the focal points of the offense. With a revamped and more experienced roster, including the return of several key offensive players, Gabriel has the potential to elevate his game to another level. His inclusion in ESPN’s Top 100 speaks volumes about the confidence analysts have in him and the impact he’s expected to have this season.
However, Gabriel’s spot in the Top 100 raises some important questions about the expectations for the Sooners as a whole. If he is the only player from Oklahoma featured in such a prominent ranking, what does that mean for the rest of the team?
Why Only One Player? The Lack of Representation for Oklahoma
There is no denying that the Oklahoma Sooners have a rich football history, filled with national championships, Heisman Trophy winners, and elite NFL prospects. However, the Sooners have faced some challenges in recent years that may explain why only Dillon Gabriel is featured in ESPN’s Top 100 for 2024.
The Transition Period Under Brent Venables
One of the most significant factors in Oklahoma’s lack of representation on the ESPN Top 100 list is the ongoing transition under head coach Brent Venables. After Lincoln Riley’s departure to USC, Venables took over as head coach with the goal of restoring the Sooners to national prominence. However, the transition has not been seamless.
Venables, who previously served as Oklahoma’s defensive coordinator, is known for his defensive-minded approach to coaching. While this bodes well for the Sooners’ defense in the long term, it has also led to some growing pains in terms of offensive production and overall team cohesion. The Sooners’ offensive struggles in 2023 were a reflection of the team’s difficulty adjusting to the new coaching staff and system, and this has led to a lack of consistent star power across multiple positions.
While Gabriel has continued to impress in his role as quarterback, other key positions, such as wide receiver, running back, and offensive line, have not yet produced players who are considered elite by national standards. Without the kind of depth and talent at these positions, it’s difficult for the Sooners to land multiple players on a list like ESPN’s Top 100.
Recruiting and Development Issues
Another contributing factor to Oklahoma’s lack of players on the ESPN Top 100 list is the program’s struggles in recruiting and player development in recent years. The Sooners have traditionally been a recruiting powerhouse, attracting high-level talent from across the country. However, since the departure of Riley, the Sooners have had difficulty maintaining their recruiting momentum. While they remain competitive on the recruiting trail, they have not been able to sign the same caliber of talent as some of the nation’s top programs.
Oklahoma’s 2024 recruiting class, while strong, does not feature as many elite, five-star players as other top programs like Alabama, Georgia, or Ohio State. The inability to land top-tier talent in certain areas has left the Sooners with a thinner roster of elite players compared to some of their national competitors.
Furthermore, while Oklahoma’s coaching staff is undeniably talented, it’s still in the process of developing players to reach their full potential. Some of the Sooners’ younger players, who may have the potential to be stars, have yet to showcase their talents on the national stage. It’s possible that, as these players mature and develop under Venables’ leadership, Oklahoma could see more of its players on future ESPN Top 100 lists.
What Does This Mean for the Oklahoma Sooners?
While only one player from Oklahoma being included in ESPN’s Top 100 might be seen as a disappointment by some, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a lack of talent or potential for the Sooners. In fact, it could be a sign of great things to come for the program.
A Focal Point in Dillon Gabriel
Dillon Gabriel’s inclusion in the Top 100 is significant for multiple reasons. First, it confirms that Oklahoma has a proven leader under center, someone who can lead the offense and deliver in big moments. With Gabriel at the helm, the Sooners have a legitimate chance to contend in the Big 12 and beyond. His experience, combined with the maturation of his supporting cast, gives Oklahoma fans hope for an exciting and successful 2024 season.
Gabriel’s presence in the Top 100 also reflects the potential for future stars to emerge. As he continues to perform at a high level, Gabriel’s development will only help raise the profile of other Sooners players. If he can guide Oklahoma to success in the upcoming season, it will likely attract more attention to the program, especially for players who may not yet have received national recognition.
The Need for Recruitment and Development
For Oklahoma to return to national prominence, it must focus on recruiting and developing players at a higher level. This includes securing more elite talent across all positions, not just quarterback. While Gabriel is a standout talent, Oklahoma’s success in 2024 will depend on the performance of its entire roster.
The Sooners will need to identify and cultivate more stars in the coming seasons. This means putting in the work to recruit and develop players on both sides of the ball, particularly in areas like wide receiver, defensive line, and secondary, where they’ve seen a lack of top-tier talent in recent years.
Venables’ defensive acumen and long-term plan for rebuilding Oklahoma’s roster will likely pay dividends in the future. The sooner the Sooners can establish a balanced, talent-rich roster, the more players will emerge as potential candidates for ESPN’s Top 100 and other similar accolades.
Oklahoma’s Long-Term Outlook
Although Oklahoma’s current lack of representation on ESPN’s Top 100 list may feel like a short-term setback, the future remains bright for the Sooners. With an experienced quarterback in Gabriel, a steadily improving coaching staff under Venables, and a commitment to rebuilding the program from the ground up, Oklahoma is poised for a return to elite status in college football.
The Sooners have the foundation to become a national contender once again. If they can continue to focus on developing players, both offensively and defensively, and building a roster full of top-tier talent, it won’t be long before Oklahoma is once again dominating the national conversation.
