A Defensive Anchor Emerges
David Stone, the Oklahoma Sooners' defensive tackle, has been crowned the top-ranked defensive tackle in the latest EA Sports College Football 27 rankings, earning a 94 overall rating that places him at the summit of the digital leaderboard.
Stone’s rise was not a fluke. In 2025 he commanded the line with a breakout performance that saw him top the Pro Football Focus stop metric among his teammates, a statistic that measures disruption at the point of attack.
Even when double‑teams converged on him, Stone finished fourth on the team in total pressures, a testament to his ability to collapse the pocket despite constant scheming against him.
His impact extended beyond pressure; he tied for second on the squad in quarterback hits and ranked third in quarterback hurries, numbers that caught the eye of analysts and fans alike.
The Sooners’ defensive front will lose several stalwarts to the NFL after the 2025 season, but Stone will remain the anchor around which the unit rebuilds, a focal point for opposing offensive coordinators eyeing a first‑round draft prospect.
Around him, a cadre of talented peers — including Taylor Wein, Jayden Jackson, Danny Okoye and Adepoju Adebawore — will provide depth and versatility, ensuring the defense remains among the nation’s elite.
Coaches and teammates alike speak of Stone’s leadership, noting that his presence elevates the performance of those around him and cements Oklahoma’s reputation for a relentless defensive identity.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With the 2026 campaign on the horizon, Stone is already preparing for another season of dominance, aiming to translate his digital accolade into on‑field production that could see him drafted among the league’s top prospects.
The excitement surrounding his potential is palpable, as fans and analysts alike anticipate how the Sooners will leverage his skill set to maintain a defense that continues to be cited as one of the best in college football.