Oklahoma Sooners Defensive Tackle Named FWAA Freshman All-American
As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Oklahoma Sooners are receiving well-deserved recognition for their talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. One of the most exciting developments for the Sooners in recent years has been the emergence of standout freshmen players who are making immediate contributions. Among those making a significant impact is Jordan Thompson, a defensive tackle who was recently named to the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) Freshman All-American team.
Thompson’s selection to this prestigious honor is a testament to both his individual performance and the progress the Oklahoma defense has made under head coach Brent Venables. As one of the top young defensive linemen in college football, Thompson’s success is an early sign of the continued improvement in the defensive unit and a promising future for the Sooners.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Thompson’s path to stardom, what makes him such an exceptional player, and how his success as a freshman could shape the future of the Oklahoma Sooners defense.
The Rise of Jordan Thompson
Jordan Thompson’s journey to becoming one of the top defensive players in the country began long before he ever stepped onto the field for the Sooners. A highly recruited prospect from Denton, Texas, Thompson played his high school football for Denton Guyer High School, where he earned a reputation as one of the best defensive tackles in the state. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism made him a highly sought-after recruit, and by the time he arrived at Oklahoma, expectations were high for the young defensive lineman.
During his high school career, Thompson demonstrated an ability to dominate both against the run and as a pass rusher. His combination of quickness off the ball and ability to shed blockers made him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. It was clear that Thompson had the tools to be successful at the collegiate level.
When he arrived at Oklahoma, there was immediate buzz around his potential. Venables and his defensive staff saw in Thompson not only the physical attributes needed to succeed but also the mental toughness and discipline that the coaching staff prioritized. Thompson quickly adapted to the intensity of Division I football, and by the start of the 2024 season, he was already making waves in fall practices.
Thompson’s Freshman Season Performance
Thompson’s transition from high school to college football wasn’t seamless for all freshmen, but his adaptability and work ethic set him apart. Despite being a true freshman, Thompson found his place in the defensive line rotation early on and quickly became a key contributor to Oklahoma’s defensive front.
One of the most impressive aspects of Thompson’s freshman campaign was his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. As a defensive tackle, Thompson’s primary responsibility was to clog running lanes, disrupt the pocket, and generate pressure on the quarterback. Throughout the 2024 season, Thompson showed that he was capable of doing all of these things at a high level.
Thompson’s presence in the middle of the defensive line allowed Oklahoma to disrupt opposing offenses and create pressure in both passing and running situations. He was consistently double-teamed but still found ways to get to the quarterback or make key tackles in the backfield. His quick first step and strong hand technique helped him shed blockers and make plays in the opponent’s backfield, where he finished the season with seven tackles for loss and four sacks.
In addition to his pass-rushing ability, Thompson was a major factor in stopping the run. His size and strength made him a key force in clogging up running lanes, preventing ball carriers from breaking free. Thompson was frequently tasked with anchoring the middle of the defense, and his ability to hold the point of attack allowed the linebackers and safeties to clean up plays behind him.
While his numbers were impressive, it was Thompson’s overall consistency and ability to perform at a high level on every snap that truly earned him his Freshman All-American honors. Whether it was during blowout wins or in high-pressure moments, Thompson showed poise and maturity beyond his years. His dominance as a true freshman has been one of the bright spots for the Oklahoma defense in 2024.
Thompson’s Role in Oklahoma’s Defensive Improvement
Oklahoma has long been known for its explosive offense, but under the leadership of Brent Venables, the focus has shifted to improving the defense. Venables, known for his expertise in coaching defenses, has worked tirelessly to instill a tougher, more physical identity in the Sooners’ defensive unit. Thompson’s arrival has been a key piece of that transformation, and his success as a freshman speaks to the effectiveness of Venables’ coaching philosophy.
One of the primary goals for Venables and his defensive staff was to build a defense that could consistently stop the run, generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and create turnovers. With players like Thompson, the Sooners’ defensive line has become much more disruptive, making it harder for opponents to establish their offensive rhythm.
Thompson’s performance has also had a ripple effect on the rest of the defensive line and the defense as a whole. His ability to command attention from offensive lines and create space for other defenders has allowed his teammates to thrive. Oklahoma’s defensive front has become one of the more formidable units in the Big 12, and Thompson’s play has been a major reason for that improvement.
In the 2024 season, Oklahoma saw an increase in its sack totals and tackles for loss, thanks in large part to the consistent play of Thompson and the defensive line. With the addition of a dominant force in the middle of the defense, the Sooners are beginning to develop a well-rounded defensive unit capable of competing with the top offenses in the Big 12 and nationally.
The Impact of Thompson’s Recognition
Being named to the FWAA Freshman All-American team is a significant achievement, especially for a player who is just getting started in his college career. This recognition not only highlights Thompson’s individual accomplishments but also signals to the rest of the college football world that Oklahoma is building something special on defense.
For Thompson, the Freshman All-American honor serves as both a personal achievement and a stepping stone in his development. While he is undoubtedly proud of the recognition, Thompson has always been focused on continuing to improve and help the team succeed. His work ethic and commitment to getting better are key factors that will allow him to reach even greater heights in the coming seasons.
For Oklahoma, Thompson’s recognition serves as validation of the program’s commitment to building a strong defense. Under Venables, the Sooners are positioning themselves as contenders on both sides of the ball, and players like Thompson are helping the program take a significant step forward. With a rising star in the middle of the defensive line, Oklahoma is poised to become a more well-rounded team that can compete with the best programs in the country.
What’s Next for Thompson and the Sooners Defense
As impressive as Thompson’s freshman campaign has been, the future is even brighter. The sophomore season offers him the chance to build on his success and take his game to the next level. Thompson has the potential to become one of the top defensive tackles in the country, and with continued development and coaching, he could be a key figure in Oklahoma’s defensive resurgence.
Thompson will likely continue to play a pivotal role in Oklahoma’s defensive schemes, particularly as the Sooners prepare for the 2025 season. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways—both as a run-stopper and a pass rusher—gives him the versatility that defensive coordinators covet. With another year of experience under his belt, Thompson will be even more prepared to handle the pressures of college football.
Looking ahead, Thompson and his defensive line teammates will be instrumental in helping Oklahoma compete for the Big 12 championship and potentially a College Football Playoff berth. With players like Danny Stutsman and Jalen Redmond alongside him, the Sooners’ defensive front will be formidable in 2025. Thompson’s growth as a player will be a key part of that success.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Thompson and Oklahoma’s Defense
Jordan Thompson’s selection as a FWAA Freshman All-American is just the beginning of what promises to be a stellar career at Oklahoma. His contributions as a true freshman have already made a significant impact on the Sooners’ defense, and his future is filled with even more potential. With the leadership of Brent Venables and the continued development of players like Thompson, Oklahoma is building a defense that could soon rival some of the best in college football.
As Thompson continues to grow and develop, Oklahoma’s defense will only get stronger. With a rising star in the middle of the defensive line, the Sooners are on track to become one of the top defensive units in the country. For Thompson, the best is yet to come, and for Oklahoma, having a player like him in the fold is a huge step toward achieving long-term success.
