In what was a critical move for Oklahoma’s defense heading into the 2025 season, defensive tackle Damonic Williams announced via Instagram that he will return to Norman for his senior year. His post, captioned “One more year,” brought immediate excitement to Sooners fans, as there had been speculation that Williams might leave early for the NFL after a solid campaign in 2024. His decision to stay in college for another season is huge for Oklahoma, as Williams played a pivotal role in helping the Sooners improve their defensive unit and solidify their standing as one of the nation’s best-run defenses.
Williams’ return ensures that the Sooners’ defensive tackle rotation will remain one of the strongest units on the team. He will be part of a deep and talented defensive line that includes Gracen Halton, Jayden Jackson, and incoming five-star recruit David Stone, who is expected to take on a bigger role in 2025. This group of defensive linemen will be crucial as the Sooners look to bounce back from a disappointing 6-7 season in 2024 and make a push for a stronger showing in the upcoming year.
The Impact of Damonic Williams in 2024
Damonic Williams’ arrival at Oklahoma in 2024 via the transfer portal was a significant one, as he brought a wealth of experience to the Sooners’ defensive line. Williams spent his first three seasons at TCU, where he earned All-Big 12 honors and played a key role in the Horned Frogs’ College Football Playoff run in 2022. His transition to Oklahoma was seamless, and he quickly became one of the anchors of the Sooners’ defense. In his lone season with the team, Williams played in all 13 games, starting every one of them, and turned in an impressive performance that not only solidified his status as one of the team’s top players but also helped elevate Oklahoma’s defense as a whole.
Williams finished the season with a career-high 35 total tackles and tied his previous best with five tackles for loss. He also recorded a sack and added eight quarterback pressures, which helped make him one of the most disruptive players along Oklahoma’s defensive front. According to Pro Football Focus, Williams ranked among the top players on the defense, and his ability to wreak havoc on opposing offenses was one of the reasons the Sooners’ defense improved against the run. With Williams clogging up the interior of the line, Oklahoma was able to limit opponents’ rushing attacks and force teams into more predictable passing situations.
This was especially significant considering that the Sooners had struggled defensively in previous seasons. In 2024, however, they emerged as one of the top run defenses in the country, and Williams was a key part of that transformation. His physicality and presence in the middle of the defensive line allowed Oklahoma’s defense to become more effective in limiting big plays on the ground, a critical area of focus for the team under defensive coordinator Brent Venables.
The Return of Williams and the Sooner Defensive Line Rotation
Williams’ decision to return for the 2025 season is a boost for a defensive tackle room that will have to replace some key pieces. With Da’Jon Terry exhausting his eligibility, Williams will take over as the veteran leader of the group. His experience, leadership, and production will be crucial for the Sooners, especially with a young and talented player like David Stone expected to take on a more prominent role. Stone, a former five-star recruit, is expected to make an immediate impact, and having Williams alongside him will help provide a balance of youth and experience in the defensive line rotation.
In addition to Stone, Gracen Halton and Jayden Jackson will also return, making for a deep and competitive defensive tackle unit. Halton, a rising star on the team, has shown flashes of brilliance and will be expected to take the next step in his development. Jackson, who played a solid rotational role in 2024, will also be counted on to provide depth and help create a formidable defensive line rotation that can wear down opposing offenses throughout the season.
Having a strong defensive line is crucial to Oklahoma’s success on defense, and with Williams returning, the Sooners will be able to build on their progress from 2024. The defensive line will continue to be one of the strengths of the team, and Williams will be the cornerstone of that group as the Sooners look to take another step forward in 2025.
A Leadership Role for Williams
In addition to his on-field contributions, Williams will also play an important leadership role for the Sooners in 2025. With several key defensive players from the 2024 season, such as linebacker Danny Stutsman and defensive backs Billy Bowman Jr. and Woodi Washington, leaving for the NFL, the defense will need veterans to step up and provide guidance for the younger players. Williams is well-positioned to fill that leadership void.
As a player who has been through the rigors of college football, including a College Football Playoff appearance with TCU in 2022, Williams brings valuable experience to the table. His leadership, both on and off the field, will be essential in helping to shape the next generation of Oklahoma’s defensive players. Additionally, Williams’ ability to help develop Stone and other young linemen will be an asset to the team, ensuring that the Sooners’ defensive line continues to perform at a high level.
What’s Next for Oklahoma’s Defense
With Williams returning, Oklahoma’s defense is in good hands. The Sooners’ defensive line will be one of the team’s most important units in 2025, and Williams’ leadership and playmaking ability will be key to their success. The defensive tackle rotation, which will include Williams, Halton, Jackson, and Stone, will give Oklahoma the ability to rotate fresh bodies in and out, keeping opposing offenses on their heels. This depth will be crucial in helping the defense stay strong throughout the season.
Oklahoma’s defense will also continue to benefit from the coaching of Brent Venables, who is known for his ability to develop defensive talent. With the combination of veteran players like Williams and the influx of young, talented recruits, the Sooners’ defense should be poised for even greater success in 2025. The return of Williams, in particular, gives Oklahoma a proven, disruptive force on the defensive line that will help them compete with the top teams in the Big 12 and beyond.
Conclusion
Damonic Williams’ decision to return for the 2025 season is a major win for Oklahoma. His presence on the defensive line will continue to provide stability and leadership for a defense that is poised to make significant strides in the upcoming year. With a deep and talented defensive tackle group, including Williams, Halton, Jackson, and Stone, the Sooners will have one of the most formidable defensive fronts in the country. As Oklahoma continues to rebuild and refine its defense under Brent Venables, Williams’ return is a key piece of the puzzle that will help the Sooners make a push for a more successful season in 2025.
