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Jayden Jackson becoming 'foundational piece' to Oklahoma's defense
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- Jayden Jackson becoming 'foundational piece' to Oklahoma's defense
The Oklahoma Sooners are off to a struggling 3-3 start in the 2026 college football season, despite starting in the top 10 with national championship aspirations. While there is plenty going wrong for the Sooners, there are still some bright spots.
The biggest bright spot is the Sooners' defense. Oklahoma has one of the best defenses in college football, ranking No. 5 in total defense, No. 6 in passing yards allowed, No. 31 in rushing yards allowed and No. 30 in scoring defense.
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The Sooners are again led by an elite defensive line, led by EDGEs Taylor Wein and Adepoju Adebawore and interior defensive linemen David Stone and Jayden Jackson. They also have several depth pieces who have played well, like Jake Kreul, Danny Okoye, Bishop Thomas and Trent Wilson.
While all of those players have impacted the defense, Todd Bates said Jackson is the foundational piece.
"He's just a solid foundational piece for our defense and can do everything well in the run game, and you know, just gives tremendous effort," Bates said. "Understands the game like a coach, and he gets other guys going too."
Jackson's value extends beyond his individual production, as his versatility and understanding of the game help set the tone for Oklahoma's defensive front. With Wein and Adebawore generating edge pressure and young players like Kreul continuing to develop, Jackson's presence gives the unit a reliable interior anchor. That combination of experience, depth and effort has helped the Sooners remain strong defensively despite the team's uneven start.
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs with the ball as Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Ty Bryant (14) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables is is pictured during the= college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks coach Ben Arbuckle is pictured during the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma's John Mateer (10) is pressured by Kentucky's Mi'quise Humphrey-Grace (90) as he throws in the fourth quarter of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jake Kreul (98) reacts after tackling Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Kenny Minchey (3) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Elijah Barnes (0) and Kentucky Wildcats defensive lineman Mi'quise Humphrey-Grace (90) tackle Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Taylor Wein (44) reacts during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oklahoma's John Mateer (10) scrambles in the fourth quarter of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Nic Anderson (4) makes a diving catch in front of Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oklahoma's Michael Boganowski (25) tackles Kentucky's Jason Patterson (26) in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma's Manny Choice (0) makes. catch as Kentucky's Hasaan Sykes (12) defends in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma's Jonathan Hatton Jr. (20) looks to get by Kentucky's Ty Bryant (14) in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; The Sooner Schooner runs onto the field before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jake Kreul (98) and Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) tackle Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Kenny Minchey (3) during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners punter Jacob Ulrich (87) throws an interception while attempting a fake field goal during the second quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) greets offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oklahoma's Rocky Beers (81) makes a touchdown catch in front of Kentucky's Ty Bryant (14) in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the first quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Oklahoma Sooners game-by-game predictions from ESPN
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs with the ball as Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Ty Bryant (14) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Oklahoma Sooners game-by-game predictions from ESPN
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs with the ball as Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Ty Bryant (14) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Brent Venables finds positives after tough loss to Kentucky
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables is is pictured during the= college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Ben Arbuckle praises collaboration among Oklahoma's offensive staff
Oklahoma Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks coach Ben Arbuckle is pictured during the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners' 21-13 loss to Kentucky
Oklahoma's John Mateer (10) is pressured by Kentucky's Mi'quise Humphrey-Grace (90) as he throws in the fourth quarter of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Jake Kreul breaks out with monster game against Kentucky
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jake Kreul (98) reacts after tackling Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Kenny Minchey (3) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Brent Venables praises the fight of the offensive line after loss
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Elijah Barnes (0) and Kentucky Wildcats defensive lineman Mi'quise Humphrey-Grace (90) tackle Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Taylor Wein believes Oklahoma's defense can go to another level
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Taylor Wein (44) reacts during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Sooners Wire Staff Predictions for Oklahoma vs. Mississippi State
Oklahoma's John Mateer (10) scrambles in the fourth quarter of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners' 21-13 loss to Kentucky
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Nic Anderson (4) makes a diving catch in front of Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners' 21-13 loss to Kentucky
Oklahoma's Michael Boganowski (25) tackles Kentucky's Jason Patterson (26) in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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4 Oklahoma Sooners to watch in Week 8 against Mississippi State
Oklahoma's Manny Choice (0) makes. catch as Kentucky's Hasaan Sykes (12) defends in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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4 Oklahoma Sooners to watch in Week 8 against Mississippi State
Oklahoma's Jonathan Hatton Jr. (20) looks to get by Kentucky's Ty Bryant (14) in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners' 21-13 loss to Kentucky
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; The Sooner Schooner runs onto the field before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Sooners Wire Staff Predictions for Oklahoma vs. Mississippi State
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jake Kreul (98) and Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) tackle Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Kenny Minchey (3) during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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'Wouldn't change it': Brent Venables on Oklahoma's fake field goal
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners punter Jacob Ulrich (87) throws an interception while attempting a fake field goal during the second quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Ben Arbuckle emphasizes the importance of Oklahoma finishing drives
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) greets offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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How many years of eligibility does each OU player have remaining?
Oklahoma's Rocky Beers (81) makes a touchdown catch in front of Kentucky's Ty Bryant (14) in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Brent Venables on quarterback change: 'Everything's on the table'
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the first quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Jayden Jackson becoming 'foundational piece' to Oklahoma's defense
