The time is now for Oklahoma defensive tackle David Stone to live up to his old five-star status as a recruit and every other recognition he’s been given since that’s based on expectations for an uber-talented player.
Just on Wednesday alone, ESPN projected Stone to be the No. 15 overall pick of the 2027 NFL Draft to the New York Jets and also ranked him as the No. 50 player in college football heading into the 2026 season. That’s barely a sample size of the hype Stone has gotten over the offseason, and he’s just now going into his first full campaign as a starter.
It's been all hype for David Stone since before even getting to Oklahoma
Originally from Del City before going to IMG Academy in Florida, Stone was the top player in the Sooners’ 2024 signing class as the No. 2 defensive lineman and No. 9 overall prospect, according to the 247Sports Composite. He was the only five-star recruit in the group.
Stone immediately contributed and held his own in SEC trenches while appearing in all 13 games as a freshman in 2024. He again played in every game last season while making his first two career starts.
It was an evident jump for Stone in 2025. Even while coming off the bench, he still led all OU interior defensive linemen with 42 total tackles. He also posted eight tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and four quarterback hurries.
Now, at least media experts and those making watch lists for individual awards, are anticipating an even bigger leap in 2026 for Stone, as he should meet those five-star expectations as a first-round talent.
Stone has been included on the preseason watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Lombardi Award, Outland Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award so far. That’s basically every prestigious award a defensive tackle can be considered for.
He was also voted to the Preseason All-SEC Second Team by both media and conference coaches. Stone has been on multiple preseason All-American teams, as well, including by the AP, CBS Sports and Walter Camp.
There’s no denying that’s a lot of hype for a player who has been a backup his entire career so far, no matter who was ahead of him. It’s even more perplexing that classmate Jayden Jackson has already solidified himself as a starter at the same position after showing up with Stone and isn’t getting any sort of recognition this preseason.
The glass half empty way to look at Stone is that he’s an overhyped player still with everything to prove. And that’s true. However, this could also mean that the Sooners haven’t even scratched the surface yet with Stone, and now finally getting his full opportunity, the best is yet to come this season before he’s off to the NFL.
Regardless, after such an offseason of hype, 2026 is the time for David Stone to either show he’s been overhyped or that potential just hasn’t been met yet.
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