Oklahoma football: 4 players who (probably) won’t be back in 2024

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) passes the ball as he advoids the sack from Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Vernon Broughton (45) in the third quarter during an NCAA college football game at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. This game makes up the119th rivalry match up. /

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Oct 21, 2023; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman (28) punches the ball out of the hands of UCF Knights wide receiver Xavier Townsend (3) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Danny Stutsman, junior

The Oklahoma defense could suffer another big loss this offseason if leading tackler, Danny Stutsman leaves school after just three years. Stustman has made 81 tackles through Week 11, 27 more than anyone else on the team.

He’s also a playmaker at off-ball linebacker with two sacks, two pass breakups, one interception that he returned for a touchdown, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. He is by far the team’s most productive defensive player and he’s only played nine of 10 games.

The level of competition is going to rise with the jump from the Big 12 to the SEC, so it may not be a bad idea for players having a career year this season to jump to the NFL instead of risking a drop-off in 2024 with Alabama and Georgia in the same conference.

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