Oklahoma tops Big 12 preseason poll

Published Jul. 19, 2012 2:29 p.m. ET

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Oklahoma is the overwhelming favorite to win the Big 12 football title in a preseason media poll released by the conference Thursday.

The Sooners had 396 points, including 32 out of a possible 41 first place votes, to outdistance runner-up West Virginia, which had 339 points and seven first place votes.

West Virginia is entering its inaugural season in the Big 12. Oklahoma has won seven Big 12 football titles.

Texas and Oklahoma State finished third and fourth in the poll, respectively, although neither received a first place vote. Oklahoma State is the defending conference champion after going 8-1 in conference play, 12-1 overall.

TCU, also entering its first season in the Big 12, was fifth with one first place vote. The remaining first place vote went to Kansas State, which finished sixth.

Baylor, Iowa State, Texas Tech and Kansas finished 7-10, in order.

Oklahoma won Big 12 titles in 2000, '02, '04, '06, '07, '08 and '10. The Sooners finished 10-3 overall last season and tied Baylor for third place in the Big 12 with a 6-3 record in conference play.

Oklahoma returns 15 starters (eight offense, seven defense) including quarterback Landry Jones, a three-year starter.

The Big 12's football media days are Monday and Tuesday in Dallas.

2012 Big 12 Football Media Preseason Poll

1.   Oklahoma (32)   396
2.   West Virginia (7)   339
3.   Texas   291
4.   Oklahoma State   267
5.   TCU (1)   260
6.   Kansas State (1)   257
7.   Baylor   162
8.   Iowa State   121
9.   Texas Tech   116
10.   Kansas   46

First-place votes in parentheses

Follow Keith Whitmire on Twitter: @Keith_Whitmire