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One of the biggest questions heading into the 2026 college football season for the Oklahoma Sooners revolves around the interior defensive line. The Sooners had one of the best defenses in college football last season, largely due to that group.
The Sooners were able to rotate in four likely future NFL players: Damonic Williams, Gracen Halton, Jayden Jackson and David Stone. They played a big role in Oklahoma ranking No. 6 in total defense, No. 3 in rushing yards allowed, No. 1 in tackles for loss and No. 1 in sacks last season. However, there are big question marks with that group this season. Halton and Williams are heading off to the NFL.
Stone has a ton of potential, but hasn't started a game yet. Jackson has played well in his two seasons in Norman, but has been injured both years. Behind those two, there isn't much experience. Nigel Smith and Trent Wilson are two names gaining the most buzz to step into that role.
Head coach Brent Venables said he believes that group will be the key to how successful the defense is this season.
"This is a game of consistency," Venables said. "You know, when we're talking about to be a good player, it takes those things, not great, good. That's a foundational thing. So that's the challenge for us in that group. And again, every good defense is going to be good because you're strong at the middle of the defense. And will we be? I don't know. Do we have the potential to be? Absolutely. But I want to go. I want to see it, and what I'm telling you is no different than anything I'm telling our guys."
Venables has consistently built his defenses from the inside out, and this season appears to be no different. While the Sooners have talent at defensive tackle, replacing the production and leadership of Williams and Halton won't happen automatically.
If Stone, Jackson and the rest of the rotation can develop into a dependable group, Oklahoma should once again field one of the nation's elite defenses. If not, it could be the one position that keeps the Sooners from being a College Football Playoff contender again.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions.You can also follow Jaron on X @jaronspor.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Brent Venables reveals key to Oklahoma's defensive success
Continue reading...
The Sooners were able to rotate in four likely future NFL players: Damonic Williams, Gracen Halton, Jayden Jackson and David Stone. They played a big role in Oklahoma ranking No. 6 in total defense, No. 3 in rushing yards allowed, No. 1 in tackles for loss and No. 1 in sacks last season. However, there are big question marks with that group this season. Halton and Williams are heading off to the NFL.
Stone has a ton of potential, but hasn't started a game yet. Jackson has played well in his two seasons in Norman, but has been injured both years. Behind those two, there isn't much experience. Nigel Smith and Trent Wilson are two names gaining the most buzz to step into that role.
Head coach Brent Venables said he believes that group will be the key to how successful the defense is this season.
"This is a game of consistency," Venables said. "You know, when we're talking about to be a good player, it takes those things, not great, good. That's a foundational thing. So that's the challenge for us in that group. And again, every good defense is going to be good because you're strong at the middle of the defense. And will we be? I don't know. Do we have the potential to be? Absolutely. But I want to go. I want to see it, and what I'm telling you is no different than anything I'm telling our guys."
Venables has consistently built his defenses from the inside out, and this season appears to be no different. While the Sooners have talent at defensive tackle, replacing the production and leadership of Williams and Halton won't happen automatically.
If Stone, Jackson and the rest of the rotation can develop into a dependable group, Oklahoma should once again field one of the nation's elite defenses. If not, it could be the one position that keeps the Sooners from being a College Football Playoff contender again.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions.You can also follow Jaron on X @jaronspor.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Brent Venables reveals key to Oklahoma's defensive success
Continue reading...
