The Oklahoma Sooners had one of the best defenses in college football in 2025 thanks to a loaded roster, especially along the defensive line, but with some top-level players already destined for the NFL, there are a few players Brent Venables needs to keep out of the Transfer Portal or NFL for his unit to stay elite in 2026.
Who the Sooners need back the most next season
Courtland Guillory, CB
Courtland Guillory was the biggest breakout star from the 2025 signing class while taking over a starting corner spot as a freshman. With Kendel Dolby already headed to the portal and Gentry Williams likely to follow, the Sooners aren't very deep at cornerback, at least not with experienced talent. Losing Guillory would put OU in desperation mode to find a corner immediately ready to plug in opposite of Eli Bowen in 2026.
Jayden Jackson, DL
The Sooners' defense was next level because of its monstrous front. Some of the talent, especially on the edge, will be headed to the NFL, and OU has likely just one more season with Jayden Jackson on the interior before he's also gone to the league. If Jackson stays, plus David Stone who will be mentioned later, the Sooners will again have one of the best defensive lines in the country.
Sammy Omosigho, LB
The Sooners are starting to look thin at linebacker for 2026, and if Sammy Omosigho goes, too, then it will be crisis mode for OU. Venables needs Omosigho to be the heart of his defense next season while calling the shots at middle linebacker if the NCAA doesn't grant Owen Heinecke another year of eligibility. If not, the Sooners could have an entirely new linebacker core next season.
David Stone, DL
Just like Jayden Jackson, David Stone has also lived up the hype of being an elite defensive lineman that clogs up the middle. The Sooners nearly lost Stone to the portal last offseason, but in 2026, they have less depth behind Stone if he does actually go, so it would hurt even more than it would have then.
Stone and Jackson returning decides if the Sooners again have one of the best defensive lines in the country, and if not, they're probably irreplaceable.
Taylor Wein, DE
It seemed the Sooners had endless talent on the edge this season, mostly thanks to the emergence of Taylor Wein. R Mason Thomas and Marvin Jones Jr. are now out of eligibility and headed to the NFL, but as a redshirt sophomore, Wein could also enter the NFL Draft or the portal. Wein leaving would leave the Sooners needing another young edge rusher to step up in 2026 or searching in the portal, but if Wein stays, he'll be the best pass rusher on the team in 2026.