2023 Record: 5-7 (1-7)
AP Ranking: NR
Head Coach: Jeff Lebby
Rebuilding year loading…. wait, what have the last 5 of 6 seasons been? Of course it’s a terrible situation for the program and our thoughts continue to go out to the Leach family and loved ones. In terms of the program, the tides were beginning to turn coming off a 9-4 campaign in 2022, but Zach Arnett was unable to sustain the same success as one of the best offensive minds of all time in College Football. That’s tough to do when you’re a defensive first coach. Enter, Jeff Lebby, offensive mastermind who has spent the last 4 seasons leading the Ole Miss and Oklahoma offenses. He now looks to tackle this rebuild once and for all.
The Oklahoma offense last season ranked #4 in total production. Lebby now has the task of bringing that success to a team that returns one starter from 2023. The quarterback position will be assumed by Baylor transfer Blake Shapen. The offensive line will have at least four new starters from the portal and the rushing/receiving game both have depth but will be a “hot hand” approach it seems. This is the biggest hurdle Lebby will face since leading an offense in D-I College Football, but if anyone can do it, it would be him.
Coleman Hutzler gets his first crack at a Defensive Coordinator role after leading Special Teams for SEC teams in each of the last nine seasons. He has always concurrently coached linebackers, but this will be his first stab leading a defense. It’s never easy slowing down offenses in the SEC. Pair that with losing seven of your top eight tacklers from a season ago, and the future does not look too bright heading into the season.
It truly does project to be a rebuilding year; however, you can always find minor victories. For the Bulldog fanbase, you’re really looking for a sign that Lebby is your guy who can get you back on track.
Record Prediction: 4-8
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