ESPN's Tom Luginbill says Texas' roster is way ahead of Oklahoma

August 8, 2023 1:09 pm CT
Another reputable source is buying the Texas Longhorns’ roster this offseason. He doesn’t seem too high on what the Oklahoma Sooners have on their 2023 roster.
ESPN college football analyst Tom Luginbill shared his thoughts on the two rosters with Bobby Burton on his InsideTexas podcast “On Texas Football.” Luginbill said the following of the Longhorns and the Sooners for the upcoming season and beyond (starting at the 21:10 mark).
“Right now, there is a vastly different roster profile. Texas is way ahead of where Oklahoma is talent-wise. … Brent Venables knows what he has to have, too. And he knows he doesn’t have it right now at Oklahoma.”
The Oklahoma head coach certainly doesn’t have the roster he needs to win in the SEC yet. The lack of depth is apparent. While some are touting Oklahoma as a playoff contender and a Big 12 title favorite, the roster simply isn’t there.
As for its rival, many would suggest Texas always has the talent. The difference is, the Longhorns have a decided advantage in proven, developed talent in its 2023 squad. A direct comparison between the two rosters illustrates what Luginbill is addressing.
Texas has eight offensive linemen you can win with against premier competition. Oklahoma might have five. Texas has at least five receivers who can take over a game. At present, Oklahoma has two. Texas has four or five good, proven cornerbacks. Oklahoma has one if Woodi Washington isn’t matched up with a burner at receiver.
While the Sooners are very good at quarterback, running back, safety and linebacker, there are questions nearly everywhere else. It provides for an interesting matchup in the 2023 Red River game. We’ll see how each team fares.