the earlier years of his collegiate career, where his production at Georgia was more limited. As a member of the Bulldogs, Jones struggled to see significant playing time behind a loaded depth chart of talent, which included several future NFL draft picks. Over two seasons at Georgia, he only managed 16 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and just two sacks, which paled in comparison to his high expectations as a former five-star recruit. Despite limited on-field opportunities in Georgia’s stacked defense, Jones’ athleticism and potential remained evident, and he chose to transfer to Florida State in search of a bigger role and the chance to showcase his talents.
In his first year at Florida State in 2024, Jones began to fulfill that promise. Although still not a full-time starter, he saw considerable action and demonstrated why he was so highly regarded coming out of high school. His 25 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks in 11 games were solid numbers for a player who was still working to establish himself as a full-time contributor in a competitive defensive system. More importantly, Jones showcased his ability to generate pressure, recording 16 total pressures according to Pro Football Focus, a testament to his speed, technique, and raw talent on the edge.
The improvement in his production between his time at Georgia and his one season at Florida State caught the eye of many major programs across the country, and the Oklahoma Sooners were one of the teams that moved quickly to secure his services. As head coach Brent Venables looks to continue his rebuild of the Sooners’ defense, Jones’ commitment represents a huge get for the program. Adding a player with the type of raw athletic ability and potential that Jones brings to the table strengthens an already formidable defensive front.
Why Marvin Jones Jr. is Such a Big Addition for Oklahoma
Marvin Jones Jr. brings a wealth of talent to the Oklahoma Sooners defense, and his skill set addresses several key areas where the team needs to improve moving forward. One of the most appealing aspects of Jones’ game is his ability to pressure the quarterback. Over the course of his career, both at Georgia and Florida State, Jones has consistently shown the ability to create disruptions in the backfield. Whether it’s shedding blockers, using his elite speed, or his refined pass-rushing techniques, Jones has proven that he can make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks.
The Sooners were solid defensively in 2024 but lacked a true pass-rusher who could consistently change the game with his pressure on the quarterback. Despite a strong overall defensive effort, Oklahoma struggled to generate consistent pressure in certain games, particularly against high-powered offenses in the Big 12 and, at times, in their out-of-conference matchups. With the addition of Jones, that issue may be addressed.
At 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, Jones possesses the ideal frame for an edge rusher. His size, combined with his speed and agility, allows him to win on the outside and overpower offensive tackles. His explosive burst off the line of scrimmage, combined with his ability to bend around the edge, gives him a variety of moves to attack quarterbacks and disrupt offensive plays. His transition from Georgia to Florida State allowed him to develop his skill set more fully, and now, at Oklahoma, he’ll have the opportunity to refine his techniques even further under Venables and defensive coordinator Ted Roof.
Jones’ commitment to Oklahoma also fills a significant void for the Sooners as they lose some experienced edge players to graduation and the NFL draft. The Sooners’ defense in 2024 was built around stout interior linemen and playmaking linebackers, but they often struggled to generate the type of outside pressure needed to force offenses into mistakes. Jones’ arrival gives Oklahoma a proven pass-rusher who can make an immediate impact.
A Five-Star Talent with High Expectations
Marvin Jones Jr. entered college football with tremendous fanfare and was heralded as one of the top edge prospects in the country. 247Sports ranked him as the No. 2 overall edge rusher in the 2022 recruiting class, a distinction he earned thanks to his dominant performances in high school, where he showed rare explosiveness and motor. His decision to sign with Georgia was a big one, as it gave him the opportunity to learn from one of the best defenses in the nation.
However, his time at Georgia was somewhat stunted by the program’s stacked roster of elite talent on defense. While Jones showed promise in his limited playing time with the Bulldogs, he never quite had the chance to showcase his full potential. This was a situation that many five-star recruits face when they land at powerhouse programs like Georgia: they are often forced to sit behind veterans who are already proven at the college level.
That’s why his decision to transfer to Florida State in search of more playing time was a pivotal moment in his career. At Florida State, he gained the opportunity to start regularly and become a focal point of the Seminoles’ defense. While his numbers at Florida State weren’t eye-popping, they still marked an improvement from his time at Georgia. Now, at Oklahoma, he’ll have the chance to continue this upward trajectory in a new, more prominent role.
Oklahoma will certainly have high expectations for Jones, as he’s expected to be a key figure in their defensive front. Given his raw talent, it’s realistic to expect that Jones will not only make an immediate impact but also develop into one of the top pass rushers in the country over the next couple of years.
What Oklahoma Fans Can Expect from Jones in 2025
With his track record of production at both Georgia and Florida State, Jones is expected to be a difference-maker for the Sooners immediately. His combination of size, athleticism, and pass-rushing ability makes him an ideal fit for Brent Venables’ defensive system, which emphasizes pressure on the quarterback and stopping the run.
Oklahoma fans should expect to see Jones in a prominent role as soon as he steps onto the field. The Sooners have a talented defensive front that, with Jones, could be one of the better groups in the Big 12. His presence will allow other defensive players to step into complementary roles, and his ability to get to the quarterback will force opposing offenses to focus on him, creating opportunities for his teammates.
Jones’ impact won’t just be felt in terms of statistics. His leadership, work ethic, and continued development as a player will help elevate the performance of the entire defensive unit. In addition to his pass-rushing skills, he’ll likely be used in a variety of ways to maximize his potential and keep opposing offenses guessing.
One key area where Jones could help Oklahoma is in third-down situations, where getting pressure on the quarterback is crucial. With the Sooners’ defense looking to become more disruptive and aggressive, Jones can be a game-changer on key downs, forcing quarterbacks into difficult situations and creating opportunities for turnovers.
Conclusion: A Big Win for Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Sooners have long been known for their explosive offenses, but under Brent Venables, they’ve started to prioritize a more balanced, aggressive defense. The addition of Marvin Jones Jr. via the transfer portal is a big win for the program, as it fills a crucial need on the edge while also bringing in a former five-star recruit with immense upside.
If Jones can build on his promising 2024 season with Florida State and continue his growth at Oklahoma, he has the potential to become one of the best pass-rushers in college football. His skill set, combined with the coaching of Venables, should allow him to thrive in Norman and make an immediate impact in 2025. With a key defensive piece now in place, Oklahoma’s defense is poised for a significant step forward in the coming seasons.
