Russell truly skyrocketed into stardom a year ago as a senior at Texas' Duncanville High School, receiving numerous honors as a result of his stellar 2024 season. Across 14 games played, Russell completed 69.4% of passes for 4,177 yards and a 55:4 TD:INT ratio, while also rushing for 321 yards and three touchdowns on 33 attempts.

The baton for the top conference in the country has been passed begrudgingly to the Big Ten. Sorry, SEC, you can't boast two consecutive national champions without getting that honor, and that's what your northern rivals currently boast.

After thumping Temple, the Sooners barely escaped Houston 16-12 and struggled with Tulane. Tennessee brought Okie down to terra firma with a loss in Norman. A win at Auburn was followed by three straight SEC losses (Texas,