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See the full story · 1 sourcesThe Oklahoma Sooners ' defense generated plenty of attention during SEC media days after emerging as one of the nation's elite units last season. Oklahoma fielded one of college football's top defenses in 2025, and that unit played a major role in the program's return to the College Football Playoff.
The Sooners finished No. 6 nationally in total defense, No. 3 against the run, No. 32 against the pass, No. 7 in scoring defense and No. 5 in defensive efficiency. With several contributors returning, Oklahoma believes the defense has the potential to take another step in 2026.
That returning talent was recognized by the media, as five Oklahoma defenders earned preseason All-SEC second-team honors . That included defensive linemen David Stone and Taylor Wein, linebacker Kip Lewis and defensive backs Peyton and Eli Bown. ESPN's Roman Harper praised Oklahoma's defense while attending SEC media days.
"I thought last year was special because of the way the defense played," Harper told News 9 . "You know, everybody wrote Oklahoma off, and all of a sudden they went on the road and beat Tennessee. That was one of the biggest wins. Then they backed it up with a win on the road at Alabama when nobody saw that one happen. It was because of the defense."
Oklahoma's defense became the identity of the program during its 2025 College Football Playoff run, consistently delivering in the biggest moments against elite competition. With Venables returning many of the unit's top contributors, expectations are even higher entering 2026. If the offense improves enough to complement another dominant defensive season, the Sooners could have one of the most complete teams in college football.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma's defense was the talk of SEC media days
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