Robert Spears-Jennings isn't going anywhere.
Spears-Jennings announced via X on Tuesday that he will return to Oklahoma next year for his senior season. His announcement came just a day after defensive tackle Damonic Williams also announced he would return instead of enter the NFL Draft.
How about one last time Sooner Nation???🖤 pic.twitter.com/2jeWkhsXed
— RSJ🖤 (@RobertJ3nnings) December 31, 2024
Spears-Jennings also could had tested NFL Draft waters after a breakout 2024 in which he started the last 11 games of the season at safety. He was second on the team with 66 tackles, along with five tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one interception, two fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles.
Other than linebacker Danny Stutsman and safety Billy Bowman Jr. exhausting their eligibility and moving on to the NFL, the Sooners are returning vital pieces to their defense for next season.
Spears-Jennings and Williams' announcements even came after Zac Alley left OU to be the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at West Virginia. No matter who replaces Alley and leads the Sooners' defense next year, it seems the players on that side of the ball are still bought in.
The Sooners are also returning starters cornerback Eli Bowen, linebackers Kobie McKinzie and Kip Lewis, and defensive linemen Gracen Halton and Jayden Jackson.
OU is still waiting for defensive end R Mason Thomas to announce his decision for his future. Thomas could also head to the NFL or even transfer elsewhere with one year of eligibility left. 1Oklahoma, OU's NIL collective, posted on X last week that Thomas was returning, but then the post was deleted shortly afterward.
If Thomas were to return with all those others, no matter who is calling the shots for OU's defense next season, the Sooners will still have the talent to be one of the best defensive units in the SEC.