July 27, 2026
Oklahoma's defense draws praise at SEC Media Days ahead of 2026 season
Five Sooners earned preseason All-SEC second-team honors as Oklahoma's elite defensive unit generates buzz entering its first full season in the conference.
Oklahoma's defense was among the most discussed topics at SEC Media Days after the unit established itself as one of the nation's best during the 2025 season, helping the Sooners return to the College Football Playoff.
The Sooners finished sixth nationally in total defense, third against the run, seventh in scoring defense and fifth in defensive efficiency. Those numbers drew significant attention from media in attendance, and five Oklahoma defenders were named to the preseason All-SEC second team. Defensive linemen David Stone and Taylor Wein, linebacker Kip Lewis and defensive backs Peyton and Eli Bown each received the recognition.
I thought last year was special because of the way the defense played. You know, everybody wrote Oklahoma off, and all of a sudden they went on the road and beat Tennessee. That was one of the biggest wins. Then they backed it up with a win on the road at Alabama when nobody saw that one happen. It was because of the defense.
— ESPN's Roman Harper, speaking at SEC Media Days
Defense defined Oklahoma's 2025 playoff run
Harper's remarks captured a broader sentiment at the event. Oklahoma's defense became the defining characteristic of the program's 2025 College Football Playoff run, consistently performing in high-stakes matchups against elite competition. Road victories over Tennessee and Alabama stood out as signature moments that validated the unit's standing among college football's elite.
With coach Brent Venables returning many of the unit's key contributors, expectations heading into 2026 are elevated. Several of the defenders who earned preseason honors are back, giving the Sooners continuity at multiple positions across the defense.
Oklahoma enters its first full SEC season with the defense as the program's calling card. Should the offense develop enough to complement another dominant defensive campaign, the Sooners project as one of the more complete rosters in the conference heading into fall camp.
