Danny Stutsman Becomes Consensus All-American: A Historic Milestone for Oklahoma Football
Senior Linebacker Joins the Ranks of the Elite with National Recognition
Danny Stutsman Becomes Consensus All-American: A Historic Milestone for Oklahoma Football
Senior Linebacker Joins the Ranks of the Elite with National Recognition
Introduction: A Banner Moment for the Sooners
In a season brimming with highlights and memorable moments for the Oklahoma Sooners, one of the most defining individual achievements has now officially been etched into the annals of college football history. Danny Stutsman, the senior inside linebacker and defensive leader for Brent Venables’ resurgent squad, has been named a consensus All-American by the NCAA. This prestigious honor confirms what Sooners fans and analysts have witnessed all season long: that Stutsman belongs among the nation’s elite.
For the storied Oklahoma football program, which has produced legends at nearly every position, Stutsman’s recognition serves as both a nod to tradition and a testament to the new defensive identity being forged under Venables. More than just a personal milestone, Stutsman’s award punctuates a transformative era for the program.
What It Means to Be a Consensus All-American
The title of “Consensus All-American” is not handed out lightly. It is reserved for those few athletes who receive the most votes across a majority of the NCAA’s recognized All-America teams, such as those published by the Associated Press, the Walter Camp Foundation, the Football Writers Association of America, Sporting News, and the American Football Coaches Association.
To be recognized by all or nearly all of these bodies means a player has transcended conference-level success and established themselves on the national stage. For Stutsman, this marks a culmination of years of work, growth, and leadership.
The Road to Greatness: Stutsman’s Rise at Oklahoma
When Danny Stutsman arrived in Norman as a three-star recruit, few outside the Sooners’ inner circle predicted he would develop into one of the most fearsome linebackers in the country. But from the beginning, his instincts, work ethic, and motor set him apart. Under former defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, Stutsman saw limited snaps, but his potential was evident.
Everything changed when Brent Venables — renowned for his linebacker development during his time at Clemson — took over the program. Stutsman became the linchpin of the defense almost overnight. As Venables installed his complex, aggressive schemes, it was Stutsman who became the coach on the field.
In 2023, he led the Big 12 in tackles and was named to the All-Big 12 First Team. That season was just a warmup. In 2024, Stutsman elevated his game to a new tier, becoming a tackling machine, a vocal leader, and a film-room junkie whose presence could be felt in every aspect of the Sooners’ defense.
2024 Season: Dominance Defined
Stutsman’s 2024 campaign was the definition of a consensus All-American season. Week after week, he stuffed stat sheets and made game-changing plays. His performance was a blend of sideline-to-sideline speed, brute physicality, and surgical precision.
Here are just a few of the highlights from his remarkable season:
- Total Tackles: 132 (Top 10 nationally)
- Tackles for Loss: 17.5
- Sacks: 6
- Interceptions: 2
- Passes Defended: 4
- Forced Fumbles: 3
Beyond the numbers, his intangibles — leadership, communication, and resilience — set him apart. He quarterbacked a Sooners defense that made massive improvements from previous seasons, helping the team to one of the best defensive rankings in the Big 12 and contributing to key wins that kept playoff hopes alive deep into the season.
Venables’ Influence: Building an All-American
Brent Venables’ impact on Stutsman’s development cannot be overstated. From day one, Venables challenged him not only to become a better player, but
