ESPN's FPI Predicts 2024 SEC Championship Odds For Oklahoma And Texas

The Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns will kick off their first seasons in the SEC in less than a month.

The Sooners and Longhorns were part of the Big 12 since its founding in 1996. However, this offseason, they officially became members of the SEC. As we head into this season, the Longhorns are considered better prepared to contend immediately.

ESPN's Football Power Index measures a team's strength and is designed to be the best predictor of a team's performance for the remainder of the season. The FPI agrees with that sentiment. The FPI gives Texas a 24.2% chance to win the conference, ranking No. 2 in the SEC. On the other hand, Oklahoma has a 5.1% chance, ranking No. 6.

There are a couple of factors that could be influencing that ranking. One of the factors is success in the previous season. Texas won the Big 12 and made the College Football Playoff in 2023. Oklahoma significantly improved in Year 2 under head coach Brent Venables, but did not compete for a Big 12 championship.

Another factor is that Texas returns players at arguably the two most important position groups. Texas is bringing back its starting quarterback and four of its five offensive line starters. On the other hand, Oklahoma will be introducing a new quarterback and has no full-time starters returning on the offensive line.

Lastly, the schedule is a major factor. Sporting News ranks Oklahoma's schedule as the second toughest in the SEC. Texas is tied for 12th. So, several factors favor Texas over Oklahoma this season.

Related: Paul Finebaum Names Biggest Differences Between Oklahoma And Texas