The anticipation surrounding the Oklahoma Sooners’ 2025-26 football season is reaching fever pitch, fueled by what can only be described as a “Sooner Super Surge” in roster strength and leadership. With key defensive stalwarts like Danny Stutsman and R Mason Thomas anchoring a talented returning core, alongside a host of other star veterans choosing to run it back, Oklahoma is not merely reloading; they are fortifying a legitimate championship run as they fully embrace their new reality in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
The 2024 season, which marked Oklahoma’s inaugural foray into the SEC, was undoubtedly a foundational year. While the transition brought its share of challenges, it also provided invaluable experience against the nation’s toughest competition. The successes and lessons learned from that demanding schedule directly informed the strategic decisions made in the subsequent offseason, leading to this impressive influx of returning talent for 2025-26.
The decision of two of Oklahoma’s most impactful defensive players, Danny Stutsman (linebacker) and R Mason Thomas (defensive end/edge rusher), to return for the 2025-26 season is nothing short of monumental. These are not just role players; they are proven difference-makers who bring elite talent, leadership, and a deep understanding of Brent Venables’s demanding defensive scheme.
- Danny Stutsman: The Heartbeat of the Defense: Stutsman’s return for what would be his senior year (or possibly a fifth year if he redshirted or utilized a COVID year) is arguably the biggest win of the offseason. He is the undisputed leader of the Oklahoma defense, the quintessential “Venables linebacker.” Known for his sideline-to-sideline range, ferocious hitting, relentless motor, and exceptional instincts, Stutsman is a tackling machine and a disruptive force against both the run and the pass. His ability to diagnose plays, blitz effectively, and cover ground makes him indispensable. Beyond his physical prowess, Stutsman’s vocal leadership, intensity, and passion for the game are infectious. He sets the tone for the entire defensive unit, and his decision to forego potential NFL Draft opportunities speaks volumes about his belief in the Sooners’ trajectory and his desire to finish his collegiate career with a championship. For a defense transitioning to the SEC, having a battle-tested, All-SEC caliber linebacker leading the charge is a game-changer. His presence alone elevates the entire unit’s confidence and execution.
- R Mason Thomas: The Emerging Edge Terror: R Mason Thomas represents the rising star power on the defensive line. After showing flashes of his immense potential in previous seasons, Thomas likely broke out in the 2024 SEC campaign, establishing himself as a premier edge rusher. His speed, bend, and explosiveness off the snap make him a nightmare for opposing offensive tackles. In Venables’s scheme, which thrives on defensive line pressure, Thomas’s ability to consistently generate sacks, hurries, and forced fumbles is paramount. His decision to return provides Oklahoma with a high-end pass rusher, a critical component for disrupting SEC offenses that often feature elite quarterbacks. A dominant edge presence not only impacts the opposing quarterback but also helps stuff the run by forcing outside contain. Thomas’s return means the Sooners won’t have to scramble to replace top-tier production at one of football’s most impactful positions.
Beyond Stutsman and Thomas, the “Super Surge” implies a broader trend of key veterans choosing to exhaust their eligibility or forgo early NFL declarations to return to Norman. This collective decision highlights several critical factors:
- Belief in the Program’s Vision: The most significant reason for veteran returns is a profound belief in Brent Venables’s vision and the program’s direction. Players are seeing tangible progress, buying into the culture, and believing that a championship run is genuinely within reach, particularly now with a year of SEC experience under their belts.
- Unfinished Business: Many of these veterans likely view their return as an opportunity to achieve “unfinished business”—competing for and winning an SEC Championship and making a deep run in the expanded College Football Playoff. The sting of any missed opportunities from the 2024 season (especially in their SEC debut) would fuel this desire.
- NFL Development: For many, another year under the tutelage of Venables and his highly regarded coaching staff (e.g., Todd Bates and Miguel Chavis on the defensive line, or other position coaches) offers an opportunity to further refine their skills, improve their draft stock, and gain more high-level experience against SEC competition. Playing well in the SEC translates directly to NFL evaluations.
- Team Chemistry and Leadership: The return of experienced leaders creates invaluable team chemistry and stability. These veterans provide mentorship for younger players, enforce the team’s standards, and act as extensions of the coaching staff in the locker room. This veteran presence is crucial for navigating the demanding SEC schedule.
The combined effect of these veteran returns fundamentally reloads Oklahoma for a championship run:
- Defensive Fortification: With Stutsman and Thomas leading the charge, the defense will be the cornerstone. The experience gained from a year in the SEC means these players understand the speed, physicality, and complexity of SEC offenses. The ability to consistently stop the run, generate pressure, and create turnovers will be paramount. This experienced core likely means the Sooners will have one of the most reliable and disruptive defenses in the conference, a significant departure from past eras.
- Offensive Consistency (Complementary): While the surge is highlighted by defensive returns, the stability provided by a strong defense allows the offense to play with more freedom and confidence. It means fewer high-pressure, must-score drives, and more opportunities for the offense to establish its identity. The offensive veterans who also return will benefit from this defensive support.
- Special Teams Excellence: Many veteran leaders also contribute heavily on special teams. Their return ensures continuity and high-level performance in the critical third phase of the game.
- Navigating the SEC Schedule: The SEC schedule is a weekly grinder. Having a roster filled with experienced, physically mature players who have already gone through the SEC gauntlet provides a distinct advantage. They understand the intensity, the travel, and the relentless nature of conference play. This veteran presence enhances the team’s ability to maintain focus, handle adversity, and perform consistently week after week.
- College Football Playoff Hopes: With the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, a strong roster with experienced leaders immediately places Oklahoma in the national championship conversation. A compelling SEC schedule, combined with a reloaded roster, offers a clear path to a playoff berth and a potential deep run. The “Sooner Super Surge” signifies that Oklahoma is not just aiming for a playoff appearance; they are building to contend for the ultimate prize.
While the veteran returns are a massive boost, the Sooners’ coaching staff will still be active in several areas:
- Integrating New Talent: Seamlessly integrating new recruits from the 2025 class and any further impactful transfer portal additions will be key.
- Injury Management: Ensuring the veteran players stay healthy throughout a grueling SEC season will be critical.
- Continued Development: Even veterans have room for improvement. The coaching staff will focus on refining skills and maximizing each player’s potential.
In essence, the 2025-26 Oklahoma Sooners football season is poised to be truly special, thanks in large part to the “Sooner Super Surge” driven by the return of key defensive leaders like Danny Stutsman and R Mason Thomas, alongside a strong contingent of other star veterans. This commitment to one more year in Norman reflects a deep belief in Brent Venables’s vision, a collective desire for championship glory, and a recognition that the Sooners are now truly equipped to contend at the highest level in the SEC and on the national stage. The stage is set for a monumental season in Norman.
