Sooners No. 7 in AP poll, Cowboys unranked

For the second consecutive season, Oklahoma is ranked No. 7 in the preseason Associated Press college football poll.

Oklahoma State is unranked in the preseason poll for the first time since 2015.

The Sooners are coming off a second College Football Playoff appearance in three seasons but must replace their Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, Baker Mayfield, as well as Mackey Awardwinner Mark Andrews at tight end.

Kyler Murray and Austin Kendall are battling for the job to replace Mayfield as the starter.

Oklahoma opens the season Sept. 1 at home against Florida Atlantic.

TCU is the second-highest ranked Big 12 team at No. 16, followed by West Virginia at No. 17

Texas, which hasn't been ranked in the final AP poll since 2012, is No. 23 for the second consecutive season.

The Cowboys received 51 points, the fourth team outside the poll and just ahead of

FAU, which received 38 points. Kansas State and Iowa State also received votes from the Big 12.

Alabama is No. 1, followed by Clemson, Georgia, Wisconsin, Ohio State and Washington. Miami, Auburn and Penn State round out the top 10 after the Sooners.

The Crimson Tide received 42 of the 61 first-place votes. Clemson received 18 with Wisconsin picking up the other.

Oklahoma was No. 5 in the coaches poll, with Oklahoma State coming in No. 25 there.

It's the 16th time in the last 18 seasons the Sooners have started the year ranked inside the top 10 and the 19th consecutive year the Sooners will begin the season ranked. Only Ohio State (30) has been in the preseason poll for longer.

[AP PHOTO] Oklahoman writer and AP voter Ryan Aber has Alabama atop his preseason football poll. The Crimson Tide is again loaded with talent, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who is fighting for the No. 1 job with Jalen Hurts.

[PHOTO BY STEVE SISNEY, THE OKLAHOMAN] Defensive back Justin Broiles works out during an Oklahoma football practice last week in Norman.