Does Oklahoma have college football's best defense?
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The Oklahoma Sooners have developed into one of college football's premier defensive programs under Brent Venables. Oklahoma's defense struggled in the Lincoln Riley era, and Venables inherited a unit that required a significant rebuild.
The progress has been steady, with Oklahoma improving from No. 122 nationally in total defense during Venables' first seasons to No. 80 in 2023, taking a massive leap to No. 19 in 2024, before finishing No. 6 last season. After emerging as one of the nation's top defenses in 2025, the Sooners believe another leap is possible.
On3's Kaiden Smith discussed the Sooners' defense on "The Hard Count." He said he feels Oklahoma could be the best defense in college football this season.
"What if they have the best defense in college football this season? I don't think it's too far-fetched," Smith said. "They gave up 15 points a game last year… I love what they have on their roster."
Oklahoma returns several key pieces on defense, including defensive linemen Taylor Wein, David Stone, Jayden Jackson and Adepoju Adebawore. They return linebackers Kip Lewis and Owen Heinecke and defensive backs Reggie Powers, Peyton Bowen, Eli Bown and Courtland Guillory. Few teams can match Oklahoma's depth, with several reserve defenders capable of starting at other Power Four programs.
Returning talent is one reason for optimism, but Oklahoma's depth may be what ultimately separates it from the rest of the country. The Sooners have quality contributors at every level of the defense, allowing Venables to rotate players without sacrificing production.
If that group continues its upward trajectory, Oklahoma has a legitimate chance to finish with the nation's top defense and position itself for another run at the College Football Playoff.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Does Oklahoma have college football's best defense?
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