Oklahoma fan favorite Drake Stoops finds new football lifeline

Drake Stoops' football career isn't over just yet.

The XFL's Dallas Renegades announced on Tuesday that they signed Stoops, who was a fan favorite when he played wide receiver for the Oklahoma Sooners in 2018-23.

Drake Stoops signs with XFL's Dallas Renegades after Bob Stoops' retirement

Once again, Stoops is joining one of his dad's former teams, but without actually ever playing for him. Legendary OU football coach Bob Stoops led the Renegades as part of the UFL in 2020, then the XFL for three seasons in 2023-25, but just announced his retirement from coaching last month. Drake Stoops also signed with the Sooners in 2018, which was two years after his dad retired the first time from coaching at the college level.

Despite getting to OU as a preferred walk-on from nearby Norman North High School, Stoops still emerged as a multi-year contributor during one of the most talent-rich eras the Sooners have experienced. Stoops caught passes from Kyler Murray, Jalen Hurts, Spencer Rattler, Caleb Williams and Dillon Gabriel while running routes alongside the likes of CeeDee Lamb and Marvin Mims.

Stoops finished his six-year college career with 164 receptions for 1,876 yards and 17 touchdowns. He had a career-high 84 catches, 962 yards and 10 TDs in his final season in 2023.

After his OU career, Stoops went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft and has been fighting an uphill battle ever since for a pro career. He signed with the Los Angeles Rams as undrafted free agent in 2024, but never caught a pass in a regular-season game while spending time on the practice squad. He then signed a reserve/future contract with the Rams last year, but was cut before the 2025 season started while dealing with a suspension.

The Renegades had also selected Stoops in the 10th round of the 2024 UFL Draft when his dad was still their coach, but Stoops instead chose to pursue his NFL opportunity. Now, finally joining the Renegades after his dad's exit and impressing in the XFL will be Stoops' best opportunity at a second chance in the NFL and new life as a pro.