Breaking News: OU Football DT David Stone Returns to Sooners After Entering Transfer Portal…

In a major twist that has sent shockwaves throughout college football, Oklahoma Sooners defensive tackle David Stone has officially announced his return to Norman, Oklahoma after briefly entering the NCAA Transfer Portal. The news, confirmed early Sunday morning through a joint statement from Stone and the University of Oklahoma football program, marks a stunning reversal and a major boost for the Sooners’ 2025 campaign.

For Oklahoma fans, coaches, and players alike, Stone’s return isn’t just a win—it’s a sign of stability and unfinished business. Let’s dive deep into the timeline, the emotions surrounding the saga, how the Sooners convinced Stone to come back, and what it means for Oklahoma’s season ahead.

David Stone’s First Season in Norman: A Star in the Making

Coming out of IMG Academy as a consensus five-star recruit and one of the nation’s top defensive tackles, David Stone was one of the crown jewels of Oklahoma’s 2024 recruiting class. He turned down offers from college football powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and Michigan to stay close to home and play for the Sooners.

Stone’s freshman season was everything fans had hoped for—and more. Despite being a newcomer, he earned a starting spot by midseason and quickly became the anchor of Brent Venables’ defensive front. Over 12 games, Stone recorded 47 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks, earning Freshman All-American honors and solidifying himself as one of the top young defensive linemen in the country.

But behind the scenes, rumblings of dissatisfaction began to surface.

The Shocking Transfer Portal Announcement

On April 17, 2025, the college football world was stunned when Stone entered the NCAA Transfer Portal.

There was no advance warning, no cryptic social media posts. Just a sudden, short statement from Stone’s camp:

“After careful consideration, I have decided to enter the transfer portal to explore all opportunities available to me. I am grateful to the University of Oklahoma for everything it has done for me. I will always have love for Sooner Nation.”

Within minutes, social media exploded. Analysts speculated. Was it about NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) money? Was he unhappy with the defensive scheme? Were there personal reasons?

Sources close to the program suggested a combination of factors: Stone reportedly felt underappreciated by the defensive staff, had growing concerns about NFL draft development, and was being heavily courted by programs offering lucrative NIL deals.

Oklahoma fans were heartbroken. The loss of a defensive centerpiece seemed like a brutal blow to a Sooners squad with College Football Playoff aspirations.

Behind the Scenes: Oklahoma’s Relentless Effort to Bring Him Back

Immediately after Stone’s announcement, head coach Brent Venables, defensive coordinator Ted Roof, and a host of staff members went to work. They weren’t going to let their prized defensive tackle leave without a fight.

Behind closed doors, Oklahoma’s approach was threefold:

1. Emphasize Stone’s Central Role: Venables and Roof made it clear that Stone was not just a player; he was the player that the 2025 defense would be built around.
2. Present a Clear NFL Development Plan: OU laid out a specific roadmap for Stone’s development, emphasizing film studies, one-on-one coaching, and NIL marketing strategies to boost his national profile.
3. Strengthen Personal Connections: Stone’s family, many of whom live just two hours from Norman, were involved heavily in discussions. OU emphasized the value of staying close to home, being a local hero, and building a legacy.

In a pivotal 48-hour stretch, several current players—team captains, star linebackers, and even quarterback Jackson Arnold—personally reached out to Stone to tell him how much he meant to the locker room.

Sources report that these emotional appeals hit home harder than any NIL offer could.

The Final Decision: Loyalty Over Dollars

On the evening of April 26, after days of meetings, texts, and late-night phone calls, Stone made his decision. He informed Venables and the staff privately on Saturday night before posting a public statement early Sunday morning.

“After a lot of thought and prayer, my heart is still in Norman. I’m staying with my brothers and running it back with the Sooners. Let’s finish what we started.”

The reaction was immediate and electric.

Social media erupted with celebration.
#StoneStays began trending nationally.
Former players like Adrian Peterson and Gerald McCoy praised his decision.
The locker room, reportedly, broke into cheers when Venables delivered the news in person.

Why Stone’s Return is Monumental for Oklahoma

Stone’s return cannot be overstated. Here’s why it’s so massive:

1. Cementing a Dominant Defensive Line

Oklahoma’s defensive line for 2025 already looked promising, with rising stars like Jayden Jackson and Marcus Strong ready to step up. But with Stone back, the Sooners not only maintain but supercharge their defensive front.

Stone’s interior presence allows the linebackers to roam free, the edge rushers to feast, and opposing offensive coordinators to lose sleep.

2. Boosting Team Morale

When a star player leaves, it sends shockwaves. When one returns—especially publicly—it solidifies team bonds and trust. It tells younger players that loyalty and brotherhood matter more than quick paydays.

3. Maintaining Recruiting Momentum

Stone’s return sends a loud message to recruits watching closely: Oklahoma is a program where stars stay and thrive. In the era of the transfer portal, this kind of statement is invaluable.

4. College Football Playoff Aspirations Stay Alive

Without Stone, OU’s hopes for a dominant 2025 season dimmed. With him, they’re very much alive. He’s a game-wrecker, the kind of player who can single-handedly swing big matchups against Texas, Alabama, and whoever else stands in OU’s path.

Stone’s Own Words: An Emotional Press Conference

In a press conference held later that day, Stone was emotional but confident in his choice.

“I had to think about what mattered to me. It wasn’t about money, it was about my family, my brothers in the locker room, and the people who believe in me here. I made a commitment, and I’m here to honor it.”

Stone also made a point to thank Coach Venables:

“Coach V never gave up on me. Even when I was thinking about leaving, he was patient, honest, and cared about me as a person first.”

When asked about his goals for 2025, Stone didn’t hesitate:

“Win the Big 12. Make the Playoff. Win it all. That’s it.”

Fan Reaction: A Surge of Joy and Optimism

For Oklahoma fans, Stone’s return feels like a championship-caliber victory in its own right.

Thousands of comments flooded OU’s official announcement. Fans posted celebratory videos, memes, and emotional messages thanking Stone for his loyalty.

Longtime Sooner fan Cindy McGrath said it best:

“David Stone coming back isn’t just about football. It’s about heart. It’s about commitment. That young man will go down as a Sooner legend, no matter what.”

Merchandise stores in Norman reported a massive spike in sales of David Stone jerseys within hours of the announcement.

What’s Next: Focused and Ready

Stone immediately rejoined team workouts and is reportedly more motivated than ever. Sources say he’s leading position group meetings, diving into film sessions, and preparing to be not just a player—but a team leader in 2025.

Strength coach Jerry Schmidt said:

“He’s come back hungrier. He wants to be great. He knows what’s at stake.”

Oklahoma’s spring practices have now shifted focus: with Stone anchoring the defense, Venables and his staff are installing new blitz packages and defensive alignments designed to maximize his disruptive abilities.

NFL scouts, who had already been tracking Stone after his stellar freshman year, are now even more interested. Some early 2026 NFL Draft projections have begun penciling Stone in as a potential Top 5 pick—an incredible trajectory for a young man who, just days ago, seemed to be on his way out of Norman.

Lessons From the Saga: The New Era of College Football

David Stone’s brief portal entry and return highlight several realities about modern college football:

• The Portal Is Fluid: Just because a player enters the portal doesn’t mean he’s gone. Relationships matter.
• NIL Is Important, But Not Everything: Culture, loyalty, and vision can outweigh even the biggest monetary offers.
• Coaches Must Adapt: Programs must be proactive, persistent, and patient in re-recruiting their own players.

Coach Venables summed it up perfectly:

“This generation is different. They want to know they’re valued, not just as players but as people. We’re building a family here. That’s why David came back.”

The Big Picture: Oklahoma’s Path Forward

With Stone locked in, the Sooners now boast one of the most dangerous defensive units in the country.

The Big 12 media days are sure to feature endless questions about Stone, the defensive revamp, and whether Oklahoma can finally return to the College Football Playoff.

Inside the walls of the Switzer Center, the message is simple: unfinished business.

Stone’s journey—his commitment, his doubts, his return—is now part of the lore of Oklahoma football. He will not just be remembered for his play but for his heart, his loyalty, and his belief that greatness is worth fighting for.

As Stone himself said during his press conference:

“This is my home. These are my brothers. This is my team. Let’s go make history.”

And with David Stone back in crimson and cream, that history just might be written in gold.