Oklahoma Football showed the sky is the limit near the end of the season and especially in the Cotton Bowl
After starting 0-2 in 2020 conference play, Oklahoma football has not lost a game since and is now the reigning Big 12 and Cotton Bowl champions. This team has all the potential to win a national championship in 2021, and there are plenty of other lofty goals the Sooners can potentially check off next season.
Spencer Rattler wins Heisman Trophy
This one may not be considered as bold, given that Las Vegas oddsmakers have Rattler at +300 to win the Heisman in 2021. The odds at times can be wrong, but this time Las Vegas may be right and then some.
Rattler showed this season he is an absolute stud and will give Big 12 defenses nightmares in 2021. In his redshirt freshman season, he finished with a touchdown-to-interception ratio if 28 to 7. He also added on six rushing touchdowns, showing why he was the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback coming out of high school.
Whether Rattler raises the Heisman Trophy or not, he should still have a monster year in 2021. With another year in Lincoln Riley’s offense, it is more likely than not he has a massive improvement next season.
Jadon Haselwood takes huge step in 2021
The former five-star receiver showed up in transfer rumors after not playing in the Cotton Bowl, But Haselwood is expected to return to the program in 2021.
Haselwood was expected to make an immediate contribution in 2020, but a torn ACL had fans wondering where he would go from there. He made three appearances in 2020, but only had 4 receptions for 65 yards.
Assuming Haselwood is healthy going into next season, he has all the talent to really stand out in this offense. With the departure of Charleston Rambo to transfer portal, Haselwood will need to step up in that role, and he very much can and will do so.
Austin Stogner will be solid candidate for Mackey Award
Austin Stogner was out to a great sophomore season up until he sustained a quadriceps injury against Kansas. His injury turned into a serious infection, which kept him out up until the Cotton Bowl against Florida
Before the injury, he was off to a great season with 25 receptions 410 yards, and three touchdowns. If he had stayed healthy there was potential for an elite season from the young tight end.
Stogner has a great story, and he plays excellent football, he also will have to step up for this Oklahoma Football team. If Stogner can get back to full health and develop, there is a high possibility that he can finish as one of the best in all of college football.
Oklahoma finishes top 3 in the CFP poll
Oklahoma ended the season ranked 6th in the College Football Playoff rankings and this was a drop from No. 4 in both 2018 and 2019. With two losses, many were surprised that the the Sooners finished ahead of undefeated Cincinnati in the final CFP rankings, but OU played well enough down the stretch to earn its spot.
While Oklahoma loses players like Creed Humphrey, Tre Norwood, and Rhamondre Stevenson to the NFL Draft, some young players are ready to take the next step. Jadon Haselwood has already been mentioned as an impact player next season. Regarding the run game, Kennedy Brooks makes his return along with Marcus Major and Seth McGowan.
Oklahoma will miss these players, but with young stars ready to shine, fans should not be worried about the Sooners next season.
If the team can play as well as it did with a number of young players and a redshirt freshman at starting quarterback, the Sooners will be even more dangerous with a year of experience under their belt.
Expectations should be high and remain high heading into 2021. With Clemson losing Trevor Lawrence the chance that they lose a game and Oklahoma goes undefeated rises. The top 3 will contain Alabama, Ohio State, and third team of the four should be Oklahoma, especially if they go undefeated and win another Big 12 championship.
Oklahoma makes the CFP National Championship game
Oklahoma has been so close but so far in terms of winning an eighth national championship. The program has not seen a championship since 2000 and many fans are wondering when the next one will be brought home to Norman.
After winning six straight Big 12 titles, making the College Football Playoff four times since its creation in 2014, many expected OU to make the big game by now. Oklahoma is so close to breaking that mold of making the playoff only to get blown out by an SEC team, and 2021 could be the year.
With a more developed young team and a much-improved defense, OU has a good shot at going all the way this season. The Sooners have to find a way to beat teams like Alabama, Ohio State, and even Clemson, despite no Trevor Lawrence.
Oklahoma, especially if it has Ronnie Perkins back in the fold for 2021, will have plenty of pieces on offense and defense to make a legitimate run at the national championship. An Oklahoma team with a defense unlike any of its previous playoff teams would put them right there with the top dogs in college football.
In 2021, Oklahoma will finish the season mentioned with the likes of Alabama, Ohio State, and Clemson. As long as this team beats teams it is supposed to beat, such as Kansas State, a championship trophy will be coming home to Norman sooner rather than later.