Oklahoma Sooners spring football is in full swing and there is plenty of promise surrounding the team that has won the Big 12 championship every year since Lincoln Riley’s arrival.

There will be challenges along the way but the team looks poised to chase the College Football Playoffs once again. The Sooners will be led by Spencer Rattler on offense and Nik Bonitto on defense. The two look to lead the team to yet another Big 12 championship.

While spring football continues with the spring game just weeks away, Sooners Wire looks at 10 bold predictions for the upcoming college football season. Can the Sooners do the unthinkable?

Top WRs to emerge

(Credit: OU Athletics)

Last season the Oklahoma Sooners saw a freshman absolutely steal the show as the top pass catcher in Marvin Mims. Could there be a breakout star among this group to replace the loss of Charleston Rambo? Looking at the group, the top guys to emerge being Jadon Haselwood, Mario Williams Jr, and Trejan Bridges. They will join the group of Drake Stoops, Marvin Mims, and Theo Wease Jr to give quarterback Spencer Rattler plenty of weapons.

QBs: Caleb Williams to play in set packages

(Credit: OU Athletics)

Last season in certain situations, former OU quarterback Chandler Morris saw time on the field in packages for Lincoln Riley’s offense. One should expect that Williams will be afforded similar opportunities but with a higher frequency. An easy way to get the 2021 No. 1 dual-threat passer acclimated to the speed of the college game.

Austin Stogner finishes as the second leading receiver

(AP Photo/Mark Rogers)

In 2020, Austin Stogner appeared in eight of 11 games while dealing with a lower leg injury. He finished third on the team in receptions and yards and became one of Rattler’s favorite targets. In 2021 a healthy Stogner finishes second on the team while catching 40+ passes from the Heisman front runner.

The Offensive Line's starting five

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The Oklahoma offensive line and coach Bill Bedenbaugh have work to do in figuring out his best five to play on the offensive line. Right tackle Adrian Ealy and center Creed Humphrey are moving to the next level leaving vacancies on the offensive line.

Projected Starters:

  • LT- Wanya Morris
  • LG- Marquis Hayes
  • C- Chris Murray
  • RG- Tyrese Robinson
  • RT- Erik  Swenson

Kennedy Brooks fills the void left by Rhamondre Stevenson

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Stevenson returned from suspension in 2020 to lead the team in rushing. He now leaves for the NFL and Kennedy Brooks returns. The former two-time 1,000-yard rusher will take on his role as the premier back along with Eric Gray and Seth McGowan. After a year off, a rejuvenated Brooks will once again record another 1,000-yard campaign.

Pass defense will be better

(Credit: OU Athletics)

The Oklahoma defense ranked 9th in the nation against the run during the 2020 season. They gave up just 105.1 yards per game, second-best in the conference behind Iowa State (103.1). The pass defense on the other hand wasn’t as good for OU. They finished 82nd overall in yards passing per game with 245.5 per game. Among the Big 12, the Sooners were 7th against the pass just ahead of Texas Tech, Texas, and Kansas State. In 2021, an improved pass defense will hopefully help them reach new heights.

Nik Bonitto and Isaiah Thomas reek havoc on offensive lines

(Credit: OU Athletics)

Last season the duo of Isaiah Thomas and Nik Bonitto combined for 16.5 sacks for the Sooners defense. With both returning in 2021, look for their impact to grow along with fellow linemates Perrion Winfrey and Jalen Redmond making an impact. The duo of Thomas and Bonitto will combine for over 20 sacks in 2021.

Marcus Stripling fills the role left open by Ronnie Perkins

(Credit: OU Athletics)

In recent media sessions following spring practice, it was learned that Marcus Stripling would move to rush linebacker and back up Bonitto. With Perkins gone, Stripling gets an opportunity in the rotation to make impact plays for the defense. Last season he finished with 2.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss. It will be up to Stripling to make use of those opportunities.

Caleb Kelly and David Ugwoegbu emerge as the impact duo

(Credit: OU Athletics)

Last season the Sooners lost Caleb Kelly before the season even began, the former five-star prospect is poised to return to that level of play. By season’s end, Kelly should be one half the impact linebackers. The other being David Ugwoegbu. They will be in a battle with incumbent starter Brian Asamoah, who led the team in tackles last season.

One cornerback who will emerge as the interception leader

(Credit: OU Athletics)

The losses of Tre Brown, Tre Norwood, and Brendan Radley-Hiles is no laughing matter for the secondary. D.J. Graham, Jeremiah Criddell, Jaden Davis, and incoming freshman Billy Bowman and Latrell McCutchin will look to seize the moment for this defense. It will be Woodi Washington who ends up as the leader in interceptions.

Bonus: The Oklahoma Sooners get off the snide

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Oklahoma and head coach Lincoln Riley have marched into the College Football Playoffs on four different occasions. Up until this point, the Sooners have yet to earn a victory in the annual playoff. This bold prediction is that OU will advance to the College Football Playoff championship game for the first time in 2021.