Column

You want to build a successful football program in the modern age? It sounds simple enough.

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Find elite talent in high school or the transfer portal

Sign elite talent

Retain elite talent

That’s the blueprint. But if it’s that straightforward, why do so many still miss?

Name, image and likeness has, in theory, lowered the barrier for non-traditional powers. At the same time, college football’s heavyweights can now flaunt their financial muscle in the open instead of operating in the shadows. The gap didn’t disappear — it just evolved.

Which brings the focus back to Oklahoma.…