David Stone, a 6‑foot‑3, 315‑pound defensive tackle from Oklahoma, is quickly becoming the centerpiece of the Sooners’ defensive line as the 2026 season approaches. His size, combined with a surprisingly agile skill set, has made him a focal point for both coaches and analysts who see the junior as a potential anchor for the interior.
Stone’s path to this moment has not been linear. As a true freshman in 2024 he logged only 94 defensive snaps and finished with six tackles, a modest start that led to speculation about his future. In April 2025 he entered the transfer portal, only to withdraw two days later and recommit to Norman. The brief flirtation with a move added a narrative of resilience that has resonated with teammates and fans alike.
Accolades and Rankings
His sophomore campaign was anything but quiet. Stone recorded 42 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, six quarterback hurries and a pass breakup, numbers that placed him third among SEC defensive tackles in pressures according to Pro Football Focus. The outlet also credited him with a 13.0% run‑stop rate, second only to Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald, and PFF ranked him No. 31 on its top‑50 players list for 2026. The Walter Camp Football Foundation recognized his rise with a second‑team preseason All‑American nod, while CBS Sports listed him among its 26 most‑feared defensive players entering the fall.
The buzz has extended beyond college rankings. Multiple 2027 NFL mock drafts now project Stone as a first‑round selection, and his name appears on the radar of several scouting departments. Head coach Brent Venables has repeatedly highlighted Stone as a key piece of Oklahoma’s defense, emphasizing that the interior line’s success will hinge on his ability to control the line of scrimmage.
Despite the praise, Stone remains aware of the work still needed. He has identified pass‑rush production as a growth area, noting that he has just two career sacks in 26 games. Improving that metric will be essential if he hopes to translate his college dominance into the next level.
As the Sooners prepare for a demanding schedule that includes matchups in Alabama, New York and Dallas, Stone’s presence inside the defensive front offers a stabilizing force. Whether he can help the team contend for a conference title and maintain his rising draft stock will unfold over the coming months, but the early indicators suggest that his impact will be felt well beyond the trenches.