NORMAN — In a surprising turn of events, Oklahoma defensive tackle David Stone has entered the NCAA transfer portal, marking a significant moment for the Sooners’ football program. The former five-star recruit, who was a highly anticipated addition to the team, made the announcement late Friday night, April 18, 2025.
Stone, who was rated as the No. 6 overall player in the ESPN 300 for the 2024 recruiting class, is a 6-foot-3, 313-pound defensive lineman from Oklahoma City. He was the crown jewel of Oklahoma's 2024 signing class, a consensus five-star recruit who had previously chosen the Sooners over other powerhouse programs like Texas A&M, Oregon, Florida, Miami, and Michigan State.
During his freshman season, Stone appeared in all 13 games for the Sooners, where he recorded six tackles, including two for a loss and one sack. Despite limited playing time, he demonstrated potential and was praised by head coach Brent Venables as the Sooners' most improved defensive tackle this offseason.
Stone’s departure comes just days after he expressed optimism about his development during a media session on April 1. "I feel like for myself, I had a big issue with being able to let my life outside of football affect my football," he stated. "I dominated a lot of the team settings and stuff like that, but sometimes outside of that I could let my body language get bad because of stuff I had going on outside of football, whether it be grades or something. As a player, I had to learn how to compartmentalize those things, separate the two and handle the pressure of outside life with football."
Stone also mentioned that he had gained 15 to 20 pounds during the offseason and felt he was moving better than ever. His words indicated a commitment to growth, both on and off the field. "I’ve been killing it this spring. Winter workouts was a fun time for me. So those things, making those small improvements all over has been a big part of my game so far," he added.
Oklahoma's defensive line, which was expected to be one of the team's strengths, has now taken a hit with Stone's exit. The Sooners return their top three defensive tackles from last season, including Damonic Williams, Gracen Halton, and Jayden Jackson. They also welcomed Trent Wilson, the No. 164 recruit in the ESPN 300 for 2025, as an early enrollee this spring. Stone’s departure leaves a gap in the rotation, which had high hopes for his contributions in the upcoming season.
The timing of Stone's decision is particularly notable, as the spring transfer portal window opened on April 16 and will remain open until April 25. This window allows players to explore new opportunities, and Stone's entry is one of the most significant departures for the Sooners since the window opened.
With the SEC's regulations stating that players transferring within the conference cannot gain immediate eligibility, Stone would be required to sit out the 2025 season if he chooses to join another SEC program. This adds an intriguing layer to his decision, as he weighs his options for the future.
Stone's exit is not an isolated incident; he joins several other players who have entered the transfer portal, including tight end Davon Mitchell, offensive lineman Josh Aisosa, safety Mykel Patterson-McDonald, running back Sam Franklin, and cornerback Jocelyn Malaska. This trend raises questions about the stability of the Oklahoma roster as they prepare for another competitive season.
Fans and analysts alike are left wondering what led to Stone's decision. The Oklahoma native had been a beacon of hope for the Sooners, and his loss is felt deeply within the program. On social media, his teammates expressed their support and sadness at his departure. Senior defensive tackle Damonic Williams tweeted, "😢 go be great," while fellow defensive lineman Jayden Jackson shared a broken heart emoji, reflecting the emotional impact of Stone's exit.
As Oklahoma looks ahead, they must now consider how to fill the void left by Stone. The coaching staff may need to explore additional talent in the transfer portal to bolster their defensive line, especially with the upcoming season on the horizon. Southeast Missouri's Jaylon Stone, a redshirt freshman defensive lineman, is expected to visit Oklahoma soon, adding another layer to the unfolding situation.
In the wake of Stone's departure, the Sooners will have to regroup and adjust their strategies as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the SEC. Coach Brent Venables and his staff will be focused on ensuring that the remaining players can step up and fill the gaps in the lineup, while also keeping an eye on potential new recruits to strengthen the team.
As the spring transfer portal window continues, the Oklahoma football program is in a state of transition. With the loss of a key player like David Stone, the Sooners face challenges ahead, but they also have the opportunity to reshape their roster and build for the future. The coming days will be crucial as they navigate these changes and prepare for the next chapter in their football journey.
