USA TODAY Sports higher on Sooners in 1-134 preseason rankings

Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) leaps away from the tackle attempt of Auburn Tigers linebacker Deshaun Davis (57) in the second quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The 2024 college football season is nine days away, and the Oklahoma Sooners are hoping to create a little Sooner Magic in year one in the SEC.

They’ve got a more talented team than many observers are giving them credit for. Are they in the midst of an offensive line overhaul, sure. But they have a number of talented homegrown products to go along with talented and experienced transfer additions. But they still have to pull it together. If it comes together, the Sooners could be in for a big year.

It’s a deep conference that features nine teams in the US LBM Coaches Poll, but how do the Sooners and the rest of the SEC stack up in USA TODAY Sports preseason 1-134 rankings from college football writer Paul Myerberg?

More: Which SEC team has the best helmet?

1. Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia Bulldogs takes the field Monday, Jan. 10, 2022, before the College Football Playoff National Championship against Alabama at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Alex Martin/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

SEC Rank: 1

The Georgia Bulldogs have been to three straight SEC title games and six of the last seven. If they aren’t the most successful program of the last decade, they’re right behind Alabama as the No. 2.

Get more Georgia Bulldogs news, analysis and opinions on UGA Wire.

3. Texas Longhorns

Sep 30, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) throws a pass during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

SEC Rank: 2

Quinn Ewers will be in Heisman contention for much of the year, but tests against Michigan, Oklahoma, and Georgia will tell the tale of the Longhorns season.

Get more Texas Longhorns news, analysis and opinions on Longhorns Wire.

5. Alabama Crimson Tide

Sep 30, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA;Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) looks to pass against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

SEC Rank: 3

Jalen Milroe plus Kalen DeBoer could be a recipe for an explosive offense in Tuscaloosa. The talent is still there and this is still Alabama.

Get more Alabama news, analysis and opinions on Roll Tide Wire.

6. LSU Tigers

Oct 7, 2023; Columbia, Missouri, USA; A general view of a LSU Tigers helmet against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

SEC Rank: 4

If the defense turns it around in year one under new coordinator Brandon Baker, the Tigers could be back in the national title hunt despite losing talent to the first round of the NFL draft.

Get more LSU Tigers news, analysis and opinions on LSU Tigers Wire.

10. Ole Miss Rebels

Dec 30, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin celebrates after a touchdown against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

SEC Rank: 5

This is the time for Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels. They’re talented, experienced, and well-coached. Feels like the time is ripe for a conference title run and playoff appearance.

Get more College Football news, analysis and opinions on College Sports Wire

12. Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables lines up with players before the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the West Virginia Mountaineers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov., 11, 2023. Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

SEC Rank: 6

Paul Myerberg likes the Oklahoma Sooners more than anyone else. Most publications or preseason polls have OU at No. 16 or eighth among SEC teams. The Sooners have some questions, but they’re not the only ones. Expectations are relatively low. Can they supersede them?

Get more Oklahoma Sooners news, analysis and opinions on Sooners Wire

14. Tennessee Volunteers

Jan 1, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) receives the Cheez-It’s MVP award for the win over the Iowa Hawkeyes at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

SEC Rank: 7

Like the Sooners, Josh Heupel has created a team that won’t solely rely on their quarterback to be superhuman. The Vols defense is going to be good. That September 21 matchup can’t get here fast enough.

Get more Tennessee Volunteers news, analysis and opinions on Vols Wire

22. Missouri Tigers

Oct 7, 2023; Columbia, Missouri, USA; A general view of a Missouri Tigers helmet against the LSU Tigers prior to a game at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

SEC Rank: 8

This is the lowest I’ve seen Missouri in most preseason rankings. They’re typically considered a top 15 team and should have a chance to replicate their season a year ago if they can split games against Texas A&M, Auburn, Alabama, and Oklahoma.

Get more College Football news, analysis and opinions on College Sports Wire

29. Texas Au0026amp;M Aggies

Sep 23, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Conner Weigman (15) looks to throw the ball during the second quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

SEC Rank: 9

Texas A&M is beginning to get a little love as a contender for the College Football Playoff. If they can pull that off in year one of the Mike Elko era, he’ll get that lifetime contract.

Get more Texas A&M Aggies news, analysis and opinions on Aggies Wire

39. Kentucky Wildcats

Oct 28, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats fans cheer before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

SEC Rank: 10

It’s the Brock Vandagriff show in Lexington. Can Mark Stoops turn Kentucky into a football school?

Get more Kentucky Wildcats news, analysis and opinions on UK Wildcats Wire

43. Auburn Tigers

Sep 23, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; A detailed view of an Auburn Tigers helmet on the sideline of the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

SEC Rank: 11

The turnaround is on for the Auburn Tigers and that September 28 home date with the Sooners will be a big indicator of what their season will be.

Get more Auburn Tigers news, analysis and opinions on Auburn Wire.

59. Florida Gators

Two helmets rest on Steve Spurrier-Florida Field before the start of the Orange and Blue game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, April 13, 2024. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]2024

SEC Rank: 12

The schedule is tough, but Billy Napier has recruited well. If they can go bowling, he’ll get some leash.

Get more Florida Gators news, analysis and opinions on Gators Wire.

68. Arkansas Razorbacks

Sep 9, 2023; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks fans celebrate after a touchdown in the third quarter against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas won 28-6. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

SEC Rank: 13

Hot seat watch is already on in Fayetteville. Can Sam Pittman stave it off for one more season?

Get more Arkansas Razorbacks news, analysis and opinions on Razorbacks Wire.

69. South Carolina Gamecocks

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 26: Head coach Shane Beamer of the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrates after defeating the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

SEC Rank: 14

LeNorris Sellers is one of those dual-threat quarterbacks who can elevate his team as long as he can take care of the football.

Get more College Football news, analysis and opinions on College Sports Wire

73. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Sep 10, 2022; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Mississippi State Bulldogs helmet at Arizona Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

SEC Rank: 15

If Blake Shapen is ever going to have the breakout season, this could be the year. Jeff Lebby’s offense simplifies things and allows playmakers to make plays.

Get more College Football news, analysis and opinions on College Sports Wire

118. Vanderbilt Commodores

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

SEC Rank: 16

Can Vanderbilt create the same New Mexico State magic that took down Auburn inside Jordan-Hare Stadium?

Get more College Football news, analysis and opinions on College Sports Wire

This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: USA TODAY Sports higher on Sooners in 1-134 preseason rankings

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