ESPN.com Preseason Power Rankings

1. Oklahoma
If you drew up a prototype for a preseason No. 1, you would throw a bunch of young guys in the deep end two years earlier and let them learn to swim. They would struggle to go 8-5, and a year later they would win the (Big 12) league. And now, just look at them -- a playmaker with 24 starts at quarterback (Landry Jones), an All-America wide receiver (Ryan Broyles) and a veteran offensive line. Throw in a true freshman tailback who can contribute immediately (Brandon Williams). On defense, give yourself seven returning starters built around a pair of ballhawking linebackers (Travis Lewis, Tony Jefferson). Schedule your toughest game early (at Florida State) and your toughest conference opponent (Texas A&M) at home. That's the prototype. That, this season, is Oklahoma. -- Ivan Maisel, ESPN.com senior writer
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ESPN Video
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Leslie County (Ky.) High School's Ethan Wolfe, who has Down syndrome, checks into the game and knocks down a 3-pointer.
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Eagles QB Jalen Hurts surprises a family, whose child is battling cancer, with a $30,000 donation to go toward a new home.
- 01:25
Ron Rivera rings the bell after final day of cancer treatment
Washington coach Ron Rivera receives an ovation as he walks down the hospital hallway to ring the bell after his final day of cancer treatment.


