Despite a disappointing 6-7 finish to the 2024 season, Oklahoma football fans have reason to be optimistic about the 2025 campaign, largely due to the return of key players, including junior defensive lineman Damonic Williams. After an offseason full of uncertainty about his future, Williams put those concerns to rest on Monday when he announced via social media that he would be returning to Norman for his senior season. With the caption “Job’s not finished,” Williams made it clear that his commitment to Oklahoma remains strong, and his return is a significant boost for the Sooners as they look to rebuild and improve next year.
Williams’ Impact in 2024
Williams’ decision to return for the 2025 season is especially important given his stellar contributions to Oklahoma’s defensive line in 2024. A transfer from TCU, Williams played a crucial role in Oklahoma’s front seven this season, starting in all 13 games for the Sooners. Despite the team’s struggles, particularly on defense, Williams was one of the few consistent and effective players on that side of the ball.
Statistically, Williams finished the season with 36 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, and two quarterback hurries. While these numbers may not seem overwhelming, they tell only part of the story. For interior defensive linemen, the true impact isn’t always reflected in traditional box score stats, but in how they disrupt the opponent’s offense. Williams proved to be a key disruptor, clogging running lanes and collapsing the pocket when needed. His ability to hold his ground against the run and generate pressure on the quarterback made him an invaluable asset for Oklahoma’s defense.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) provided a more nuanced view of Williams’ performance, grading him at 74.3 overall for the season, which ranked him third among the Sooners’ defensive linemen. In terms of rush defense, Williams earned an impressive 81.4 grade, the second-highest on the team. These grades highlight his consistency and ability to be effective in both pass-rush and run-stopping situations, which will be vital for Oklahoma moving forward. While the team may have struggled as a whole, Williams’ individual play was a bright spot for the Sooners, and his return will ensure that defensive line remains a strength for the program.
The Value of Williams’ Return
Williams’ decision to return for the 2025 season is a huge win for Oklahoma’s defense, especially as the Sooners will face significant turnover in their roster. With veteran defenders like linebacker Danny Stutsman and defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. expected to depart for the NFL, the Sooners will need experienced players like Williams to step up and provide leadership. Williams’ return helps to anchor the defensive line, which will be crucial in the team’s efforts to rebound from a tough season and return to a higher level of competitiveness.
The 6-foot-1, 315-pound defensive tackle brings an experienced presence to a defense that is losing several key contributors. The combination of his size, strength, and technical ability allows him to be effective against the run and the pass, making him one of the more well-rounded players on Oklahoma’s defensive line. The Sooners’ defense will need leaders who are capable of helping to mentor younger players, and Williams is ideally suited to fill that role. His experience playing in both the Big 12 at TCU and the SEC at Oklahoma provides him with a wealth of knowledge that will be invaluable as the Sooners continue to rebuild their defense.
Williams’ return is especially vital given the significant number of players who will be leaving the program. As mentioned, Stutsman and Bowman are likely heading to the NFL, and a number of defensive players have already entered the transfer portal, including defensive backs and linebackers. This leaves Oklahoma with some uncertainty at multiple positions on defense, particularly in the back seven. However, Williams’ return helps to stabilize the defensive line, providing continuity and leadership in a critical year for the program.
Oklahoma’s Defensive Challenges
Although Williams’ return is a positive development for Oklahoma, the team still faces significant challenges heading into the 2025 season. The Sooners have shown flashes of talent on defense in recent years, but consistency has been a major issue. While Williams was one of the few bright spots for Oklahoma in 2024, the defense as a whole struggled to contain opposing offenses, particularly in the secondary.
With several defensive players entering the transfer portal, including key players at linebacker and defensive back, the Sooners will need to reload and integrate new talent into the system. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables will be tasked with finding the right combination of players and schemes to turn the unit around. Williams’ leadership and experience will be essential in helping younger players develop and adjust to the demands of playing in the Big 12.
Moreover, with an offense that remains a work in progress, Oklahoma will likely rely on its defense more heavily in 2025 to stay competitive in games. This puts additional pressure on Williams and his fellow defensive linemen to perform at a high level. The Sooners will need players who can not only stop the run but also generate pressure on the quarterback and disrupt the opposing offense’s rhythm. Williams’ ability to play both the run and pass will be invaluable as the Sooners seek to improve their overall defensive play.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With Williams back in the fold, Oklahoma will have a solid foundation on the defensive line. He will be a key player to watch in the 2025 season, as his play will likely determine how effective the Sooners can be in stopping opposing offenses. Williams’ return also provides Oklahoma with a leader who can help guide the younger players and help them adjust to the challenges that lie ahead. His presence on the field will give the Sooners’ defense a much-needed veteran presence, and his consistency will be crucial in helping the program rebound after a frustrating 2024 season.
As Oklahoma heads into the 2025 season, there is much work to be done, but Williams’ return provides hope and stability for a defense that will need to improve across the board. The Sooners will look to combine new pieces with their returning talent to build a more formidable unit, and Williams will be central to that effort. With his leadership and proven ability, Williams is a player who will help drive the Sooners’ defensive resurgence in 2025 and beyond. For Oklahoma fans, his decision to return is a critical step toward returning to prominence in the Big 12 and on the national stage.
