The Oklahoma Sooners’ defense is set to be improved during the 2024 college football season. Head coach Brent Venables is headed into a defining third season with the program, and his defensive-minded style should start to shine within the program.
At this point, Venables has been able to bring in his own recruits and establish the program his own way. The Sooners defense is going to benefit from that, too. The defensive line is going to be stout, as they made some strong additions this offseason. Danny Stutsman opted to return rather than declare for the NFL Draft and will anchor the linebacker position.
How will the Sooners’ secondary fare, though? Athlon Sports recently ranked their top 20 secondaries in college football ahead of the season, and Oklahoma earned a solid ranking.
Athlon Sports ranks Oklahoma’s secondary No. 11 in college football
According to Athlon Sports, the Sooners have the No. 11 secondary in the nation. For a team which lost its defensive identity in the last decade, having a stout secondary to back up a strong defensive line and linebacker core could make for an incredible season for the Sooners defense.
Now, there is versatility in the secondary, which could make for the solid ranking Oklahoma’s secondary earned. There’s a good blend of veterans and young players with star potential and playmaking abilities.
Just looking at the cornerbacks alone, there is versatility. Woodi Washington embodies versatility, and the sixth-year senior will see help from Gentry Williams, Kani Walker and Dez Malone, with young players like Makari Vickers and Jacobe Johnson adding depth and talent.
Now, where the Sooners’ secondary really gets its pop is with the safety position. Billy Bowman’s return to Oklahoma gives the position a huge, huge boost, with Peyton Bowen’s anchoring the other safety spot. He’ll have help from Robert Spears-Jennings.
At both the cornerback and safety position, there is a veteran anchoring the position, young star talent and more than enough depth to ensure the team is safe through any injuries.
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