College Football Preseason Rankings: 5 Reasons the Polls Got Big 12 Right

Despite the losses of Nebraska and Colorado to the Big Ten and Pac-12 respectively, the new-look Big 12 found a way to get five nods into this year's Top 25.

Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Missouri and Texas all received looks in the annual USA Today preseason rankings poll.

Just to put it into perspective, one-fifth of the nation's ranked teams hail from the mighty Big 12 despite the conference only boasting 10 total teams.

So could it be possible that with so few teams yet so many in the polls, the coaches could maybe have overrated the Big 12 to much?

Well, after taking a look, here are five reasons why the polls set the Big 12 correctly.

Having 3 Teams in the Top 10

The Big 12 opens up this season posting three of its' five ranked teams in the coveted Top 10.

With Oklahoma sitting at the top, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M sit close behind at No. 8 and 9 respectively.

It's extremely rare to see a conference not named the SEC put three different teams in the Top 10, but what makes it even more special is that Texas isn't even one of them.

However, after further review, it's clear to see that each one of these teams is deserving of their spots.

Especially Texas A&M, which in my opinion is underrated even with the loss of Butkus Award winner, Von Miller. 

On offense, the Aggies will return an offensive juggernaut with QB Ryan Tannehill, RB Cyrus Gray and WR Jeff Fuller.

In total, the Aggies are bringing back 18 of 22 starters.

If they were the only true question of the three Top-10 Big 12 teams, those names and numbers should answer pretty much everything you were worried about in the first place.

Oklahoma at No. 1

The first thing that poll placers did right was put the Sooners ahead of massively overrated Alabama because in all actuality, Oklahoma is far and above the best team in the country.

A year ago, quarterback Landry Jones threw for 4,300 yards and 35 touchdowns—he's coming back.

Wide receivers Ryan Broyles and Kenny Stills—both coming back.

And even though defensive captain Travis Lewis will be sidelined eight weeks with a broken foot, he'll only miss two gamesm and then he'll be back.

As if they weren't already stacked enough, head coach Bob Stoops and his staff signed six ESPNU 150 recruits. Easily making them the most dangerous team in the country.

Despite having three tough road matchups with Florida State, Texas and Oklahoma State to end the season, the Sooners are still this year's king of the Big 12.

Hands down the conference's team to beat this season.

Not Over-Ranking Texas

The Hook 'em Horns experienced an awful season to the lofty standards in Austin, Texas.

Either way, the polls got this one right for two reasons.

1) They included the Longhorns in the polls at No. 24.

2) They aren't any higher than No. 24.

Thank the Lord the Horns don't have to live up to the pressure that the coaches put on Notre Dame because at No. 18 the Irish may be a little higher than they should. But that's neither here nor there.

Sitting at No. 24, the Horns are looking for quarterback Garrett Gilbert to mature into the player that we saw glimpses of in the national championship a few years ago.

In addition to this, coach Mack Brown reeled in the nation's seventh best recruiting class highlighted by stud running back Malcolm Brown.

Look for Texas to move their way up the polls in their first four games until their showdown with No. 1 Oklahoma. But for now, 24th in the nation is a good place to start.

Slotting Missouri at No. 21

A year ago, Missouri lost the Insight Bowl to a depleted Iowa team.

After that, they lost their best offensive and defensive players to the draft. So, it's easy to see why many people scratch their heads as to why Mizzou is ranked.

Well, I'm here to tell you that new quarterback James Franklin is a lot better than people think, and he'll have a more-than-reliable target in Mackey Award finalist TE Michael Egnew.

And on defense, it's going to be difficult to replace the speed and athleticism of defensive end Aldon Smith, but landing 4-star recruit Sheldon Richardson was a great place to start,especially against the run.

Fortunate enough for the Tigers, they get two of their tougher games against Texas and Oklahoma State at home.

It can be sure that head coach Gary Pinkel will have his players ready for the season and this mental approach will be extremely important come Sept. 9th when the Tigers travel to Arizona State for a Friday night matchup at Sun Devil Stadium, one of the nation's toughest places to play.

Missouri is a very underrated team to watch out for as the season progresses.

Giving Oklahoma State the Respect They Deserve

The Cowboys had the nation's top passing offense a year ago.

Well, guess what. They're back.

And it's extremely assuring to see that the polls recognized the Cowboys dominance on offense, and also the many improvements on the defensive side of the ball. The 'boys are currently ranked No. 8 in the nation.

However, in the public eye, Oklahoma State is vastly underrated and overlooked.

I say this because they're a Top-10 team in the country but not even the top team in their own state and this has to be cause for many people to look away.

They have an extremely weak non-conference schedule and luckily get to face the Sooners at home, so the run at a one- or two-loss season is an extremely real possibility.

Watch out, these underrated 'boys are going to rope some teams on their way up the polls this season.