Oklahoma Sooners Defense: The Bright Spot of a Tough 2024 Season
In a season marked by struggles and disappointment, the Oklahoma Sooners’ defense emerged as a beacon of hope, keeping the team in games and providing a foundation for future success. While the offense sputtered, unable to consistently put up points, it was the defense that kept the Sooners competitive, particularly in a challenging 2024 campaign. In fact, the defense was one of the best in the SEC, demonstrating resilience and toughness when the team needed it most.
Given the defensive unit’s remarkable performance, it’s no surprise that when looking at Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) player grades for the season, the top spots were dominated by players from the defensive side of the ball. These players shone amid adversity, showcasing their individual and collective ability to excel in a season that left much to be desired offensively. With an eye on building momentum for the future, these top performers are crucial building blocks for Oklahoma’s defense moving forward.
Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 highest-graded players from the 2024 season, according to PFF:
1. Eli Bowen, Cornerback
PFF Grade: 80.3
Snaps Played: 510
Despite the overall struggles of the Sooners, one player who stood out as a significant bright spot was Eli Bowen. Bowen quickly became a revelation for the Sooners’ defense, earning the highest grade among all players on the team. Bowen’s ability to lock down receivers and his excellent coverage skills helped the Sooners’ secondary perform above expectations.
Bowen was tasked with some of the most challenging matchups throughout the season, yet he thrived. He showed poise and maturity beyond his years, demonstrating that he could become one of the premier cornerbacks in the SEC. While the team faced adversity, Bowen was the type of player that fans and coaches could rely on, showcasing his talent and setting the stage for even greater things to come. His performance in 2024 proved he is a potential star for the future.
2. Gracen Halton, Defensive Tackle
PFF Grade: 79.1
Snaps Played: 403
Another standout player for Oklahoma in 2024 was Gracen Halton, who played a pivotal role in the defensive line as a defensive tackle. Halton had a breakout season, leading the Sooners’ defensive tackle group in total pressures with 29 and finishing just six behind team leader R Mason Thomas. His ability to consistently apply pressure on the quarterback and disrupt opposing offenses was invaluable for the team.
Halton’s impact didn’t stop at pressuring the passer; he was also excellent against the run, recording a strong number of tackles for loss. His five sacks ranked second on the team, underscoring his ability to make plays in critical moments. In a season where the defense had to pick up the slack for the offense, Halton’s emergence as a playmaker was one of the silver linings, giving the Sooners a legitimate force in the middle of the defensive line.
3. Robert Spears-Jennings, Safety
PFF Grade: 78.7
Snaps Played: 599
Robert Spears-Jennings had one of the best seasons of his career in 2024, earning third place in PFF player grades. Spears-Jennings, who played the safety position, was not only a physical presence in the secondary but also showed versatility and leadership throughout the season.
Spears-Jennings was third on the team in snaps and second in total tackles, proving that he could contribute across multiple facets of the game. His ability to force turnovers, especially his team-leading forced fumbles, helped the Sooners generate crucial momentum during several key games. Additionally, Spears-Jennings’ ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage with 2.5 sacks further solidified his value to the defense. His overall consistency and playmaking ability were vital for a defense that needed to step up on numerous occasions.
4. Danny Stutsman, Linebacker
PFF Grade: 77.1
Snaps Played: 709
No player was more important to the Oklahoma Sooners’ defense in 2024 than Danny Stutsman. The linebacker was a force throughout the season and became a central figure in Brent Venables’ defense. Stutsman completed his third consecutive season with 100+ tackles, reaffirming his status as one of the most reliable and productive defenders in the conference.
Stutsman’s leadership and tenacity were crucial to the Sooners’ success, and his first-team All-American honors in 2024 are a testament to his outstanding play. He not only anchored the linebacking corps but was also a key part of the defensive line, consistently playing in all situations. His versatility and ability to make plays against both the run and pass made him a cornerstone of Oklahoma’s defense. Stutsman was a constant, often tasked with the most challenging assignments, and he continued to rise to the occasion.
5. R Mason Thomas, Edge Rusher
PFF Grade: 76.8
Snaps Played: 650
R Mason Thomas was another standout performer for Oklahoma, contributing significantly to the team’s pass rush. As an edge rusher, Thomas proved to be a consistent threat to opposing quarterbacks. With 29 total pressures, he finished just behind Halton in that category, highlighting his ability to get after the passer. His production also included 6 sacks, putting him in the upper echelon of defenders on the team.
While Thomas’ numbers don’t fully capture his influence on the field, he consistently disrupted offensive plays and kept offensive lines on their toes. His efforts were vital in maintaining Oklahoma’s defensive prowess, especially when the offense wasn’t able to provide much support. Thomas is a key piece of the Sooners’ defense moving forward and should only improve in the coming seasons.
6. Jaden Davis, Cornerback
PFF Grade: 75.2
Snaps Played: 490
Another bright spot in the secondary for Oklahoma was Jaden Davis. While Bowen garnered much of the attention, Davis quietly put together an excellent season. He was an important contributor on the outside, where he showcased his physicality and ability to cover some of the top receivers in the SEC. Davis wasn’t just a coverage player, either; he also had his hand in a number of critical tackles and made a few game-changing plays throughout the season.
Davis’ consistency and growth as a cornerback were crucial to Oklahoma’s defensive success. His presence in the secondary helped keep the Sooners competitive, especially in games where they were facing high-powered passing offenses.
7. Billy Bowman, Safety
PFF Grade: 74.9
Snaps Played: 585
Billy Bowman had another solid season in the Oklahoma secondary, earning significant playing time and contributing in multiple areas. Bowman’s ability to play both as a safety and in a nickel corner role gave the Sooners flexibility in defensive schemes. He made plays both in coverage and against the run, providing vital support when needed. Bowman also showcased his ability to track the ball, as he played a key role in the team’s efforts to generate turnovers. His performances made him one of the most consistent members of the defense.
Conclusion: The Foundation for the Future
The 2024 season may have been a challenging one for the Oklahoma Sooners overall, but the defense provided a strong foundation for the program moving forward. With Eli Bowen, Gracen Halton, Robert Spears-Jennings, Danny Stutsman, and other top performers, Oklahoma has built a defense that is capable of competing with the best teams in the SEC. These players have shown that they can thrive in high-pressure situations, and they will be the core upon which the Sooners can build for the future.
As the team moves into the 2025 season, the defense will remain the focal point for head coach Brent Venables, who is known for his defensive prowess. With the continued development of these top performers, the Sooners defense will only continue to improve, making them a formidable force in the SEC for years to come.
