Oklahoma Sooners Can Breathe a Sigh of Relief After David Stone’s Transfer Portal Decision Keeps Their Offseason Momentum Rolling

The Oklahoma Sooners’ football program, led by head coach Brent Venables, has been through a series of transformations and strategic moves since the former Clemson defensive coordinator took the reins in 2022. His first few seasons were marked by challenges on the field, but Venables’ commitment to rebuilding the Sooners’ roster and culture has brought hope back to Norman, Oklahoma. While the 2024 season holds great promise, one critical decision has just sealed the confidence of fans, coaches, and players alike: David Stone’s decision to remain with the Sooners and forgo entering the transfer portal.

David Stone, a highly touted defensive line prospect from the 2023 recruiting class, has long been regarded as a foundational piece for Oklahoma’s defense moving forward. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 305 pounds, Stone possesses the size, athleticism, and raw potential to dominate at the collegiate level. His decision to stay with the Sooners after rumors swirled about a possible transfer has sent shockwaves of relief through the program. For Oklahoma, retaining Stone is not just a victory in terms of player retention—it represents the continuation of the upward trajectory the Sooners are on under Venables’ leadership.

A Glimpse at the Offseason Momentum

Before we dive deeper into David Stone’s decision, it’s important to understand the context of the Sooners’ offseason. Following a solid 2023 campaign in which Oklahoma finished with a respectable 10-3 record, there was a palpable sense that the program was on the brink of returning to its elite status. Venables had made significant strides in improving the defense, which had been a weakness during the final years of Lincoln Riley’s tenure. However, the Sooners’ defense still needed key pieces to make the jump to the next level—David Stone was one of those pieces.

The offseason had already been filled with positive momentum. The Sooners bolstered their roster through both the recruiting trail and the transfer portal. On top of that, the team had brought in talented players across all positions to fill gaps and raise the level of competition. The signing of five-star recruits and the continued development of a young but talented team gave the program a renewed sense of optimism.

In this context, the decision by David Stone to stay in Norman was incredibly significant. It wasn’t just a relief from the standpoint of losing a star player—Stone is a potential game-changer who could be a key piece in Oklahoma’s push for a Big 12 title and, ultimately, a College Football Playoff berth.

The Impact of David Stone’s Decision

David Stone’s decision to stay with the Sooners solidifies Oklahoma’s defensive front for the foreseeable future. As a true freshman in 2023, Stone showed flashes of greatness, logging important snaps on a defensive line that was steadily improving. His combination of strength, agility, and technique allowed him to contribute immediately, even in a system that was still evolving under Venables.

Stone was part of a highly-rated defensive line class, which included other rising stars such as Adepoju Adebawore and Derek LeBlanc. These players were expected to come in and compete for starting spots and make an immediate impact on a defense that needed to get stronger in both the run game and pass rush. Having Stone stay in the program adds immense depth and talent to the Sooners’ defensive line, which is one of the most important positions in Venables’ 4-3 scheme.

One of the key aspects of Venables’ defense is its ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and disrupt the opposing offense’s timing. Defensive linemen like Stone play a critical role in creating those opportunities. Stone, with his size and quickness, is a player who can collapse the pocket and force quarterbacks to make mistakes. His ability to both rush the passer and stop the run is something that will be pivotal for the Sooners as they look to contend for championships in the coming seasons.

The Sooners’ defensive line had a solid foundation heading into the 2024 season, but adding another year of development for Stone—and keeping him in the fold—provides even more confidence that Oklahoma’s defense will be one of the most improved units in the nation. Stone’s leadership on and off the field will also be invaluable as the Sooners look to develop a cohesive and dominant defensive front.

The Recruiting Impact

In addition to the on-field implications of Stone’s decision, his choice to stay also has significant ramifications for Oklahoma’s recruiting efforts moving forward. In the world of college football, recruiting is king, and retaining a top-tier talent like Stone speaks volumes to prospective recruits and their families.

When a five-star player like Stone chooses to remain at Oklahoma, it sends a clear message that the program is on the rise and that the Sooners are building something special. This is particularly crucial as Venables continues to rebuild the roster and establish a new identity for the program. Stone’s loyalty to the Sooners will likely play a role in attracting more top-tier talent in future recruiting cycles, as players look to join a program that can develop them into NFL-caliber players while competing for national championships.

The influence of a player like Stone extends beyond the field—he’s a prime example of the type of player Venables is bringing into Norman: talented, hardworking, and committed to the long-term success of the program. As the Sooners’ recruiting pipeline continues to gain momentum, Stone’s decision will undoubtedly have a ripple effect on the types of players Oklahoma will be able to sign in the coming years.

The Transfer Portal: A Blessing and a Curse

The transfer portal has changed the landscape of college football, allowing players to transfer freely between programs. This has created both opportunities and challenges for coaching staffs around the country. For Venables and the Sooners, the portal had its ups and downs in 2024. While they were able to bring in some key contributors through the portal, the loss of players to other programs can be disheartening, especially when it involves highly talented recruits like Stone.

Stone’s decision to stay is particularly important in this context. In a world where it has become increasingly common for players to leave programs in search of greener pastures, Oklahoma’s ability to retain a top prospect like Stone speaks volumes about the culture Venables is building. The Sooners are no longer seen as a program in transition—they are quickly becoming a powerhouse that players want to be a part of. This is a crucial step in ensuring that Oklahoma remains competitive at the highest level.

Stone’s decision also helps to mitigate any negative perception surrounding the transfer portal. While the portal is an invaluable resource for building depth and adding experience to a roster, it also comes with the downside of losing talented players. For a program like Oklahoma, which has the potential to compete for national titles, keeping key players like Stone is essential for maintaining that edge over the competition.

What’s Next for Oklahoma?

With Stone’s decision to stay, the Sooners can now focus on building towards the 2024 season with greater confidence. The defense will have a clear anchor in the middle of the line with Stone, and his leadership will help guide the younger players as they continue to develop. Additionally, his decision gives the coaching staff more stability when it comes to game planning and depth chart management.

The Sooners are poised to be a contender in the Big 12, and with Stone leading the charge on the defensive front, they will be in an even stronger position to make a run at the conference championship. As Venables’ program continues to take shape, the team’s defense will likely be its most improved unit, and that will be a key factor in Oklahoma’s success in 2024 and beyond.

Offensively, the Sooners will look to continue the momentum gained from 2023, with quarterback Dillon Gabriel leading the charge and a talented group of skill players at his disposal. However, it’s the defense, led by players like Stone, that could be the difference-maker in games against tough opponents both in and out of conference play.

Conclusion

In the world of college football, decisions like David Stone’s are pivotal in shaping the trajectory of a program. For the Oklahoma Sooners, his choice to stay in Norman and continue his development under Brent Venables is a massive win. It not only ensures that the Sooners will have one of the most promising young defensive linemen in the country, but it also continues the momentum of a program that is trending upward after a period of transition. The future looks bright for Oklahoma, and with David Stone leading the charge on defense, they have a great shot at reclaiming their place among college football’s elite.

In a sport that can often feel like a rollercoaster of highs and lows, the Sooners have found a rare moment of stability in Stone’s decision. With the foundation now solidified and the program continuing to grow, Oklahoma fans can rest easy knowing that their team is on the rise—and David Stone is a key part of that future.