Oklahoma defensive MVP, standouts, key to rest of 2026

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Oklahoma defensive MVP, standouts, key to rest of 2026

Oklahoma Sooners game-by-game predictions from ESPN — Sep 12, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive line Jayden Jackson (65) tackles Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) during the fourth quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

John Williams, Sooners Wire · Sooners Wire

Wed, Sep 30, 2026 ·

4 min read

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The Oklahoma Sooners are four weeks into the 2026 season and sit at 2-2 and 0-1 in SEC play . The Oklahoma offense has undermined a great defensive effort to keep them in games. Without that defensive performance, Oklahoma could very well be sitting at 1-3 and asking major questions about the program's future.

But Brent Venables has delivered on the defensive side of the ball. So while there's disappointment in what Oklahoma's done on offense through four weeks, they have one unit playing at a very high level that will give the Sooners a chance to win if they can find any kind of spark on offense.

Here's our look at the defensive standouts and the biggest key to the rest of the season.

Defensive MVP: Jayden Jackson , DT

There were several directions I could have gone with this one. Like Peyton Bowen , David Stone , or Kip Lewis . But I'm going to go with Jayden Jackson. Known for his ability to take up space in run defense, Jackson also is tied for the team lead in total pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jackson often takes on double teams, which frees up guys like Stone, Taylor Wein , Adepoju Adebawore , and the linebackers to make plays.

He's one of the most important pieces of Oklahoma's defense that doesn't get talked about enough.

Can't Say Enough About: David Stone, DT

Defensive tackle David Stone suffered a dislocated kneecap the Monday before the Georgia game, and his availability for the Week 4 matchup in Athens was uncertain. He didn't practice all week but suited up and put forth an effort against the Bulldogs that showed just how much he cares about Oklahoma Football, his teammates, and his state.

He's an integral part of the defense, but it's his leadership in 2026 that's stood out as much as his play. His willingness to put his body on the line for his team just shows that desire to see OU succeed.

Defensive Newcomer: Jake Kruel, DE

The former ESPN five-star prospect hasn't seen much time, but he's made an impact when he has. Especially as a pass rusher. In 13 pass-rush snaps, he has four total pressures, including a pressure on Saturday against Georgia.

He's played double-digit snaps in three games this season, and that workload could increase if the Sooners defense can get teams into third-and-long situations more regularly.

Biggest Surprise on Defense: Tackling Struggles

In Oklahoma's loss to Michigan , the Sooners struggled to tackle the ball carrier, missing 21 total tackles in the game, according to Pro Football Focus. That number dropped to nine in Week 3 vs. New Mexico and four in the Week 4 loss to Georgia.

It isn't surprising that Oklahoma improved; it's just surprising it took three weeks into the season to be in a good spot.

The Sooners' defense will only be as effective as their tackling is over the remainder of the season. Especially with a number of athletic quarterbacks and impressive running backs remaining on the schedule.

Key to Rest of 2026: Getting to the Quarterback

Oklahoma's been really good against the run once again in 2026. They've allowed a few big plays, but on a play-for-play basis, the Sooners have stopped the run at an elite level. Saturday against Georgia, they allowed a 54-yard touchdown run, but otherwise held the Bulldogs to just three yards per carry.

I expect that to hold up. But where they'll be tested over the final eight games of the season is against the pass. Oklahoma will see some of the best quarterbacks in the SEC. Players like Arch Manning , Kenny Minchey , Kamario Taylor , Trinidad Chambliss , and Austin Simmons.

As Oklahoma blitzes to put pressure on and get to the quarterback, they need to get home at a higher rate to prevent big plays down the field, as they surrendered against Georgia.

Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) warms up before a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) looks to throw a pass against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart walks on the field after a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) catches a seventeen-yard pass for a touchdown against Georgia Bulldogs safety Rasean Dinkins (14) during the third quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; A Oklahoma Sooners cheerleader reacts to game play against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs after a catch against Georgia Bulldogs safety Khalil Barnes (7) and linebacker Chris Cole (9) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws a pass against Georgia Bulldogs safety Rasean Dinkins (14) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Chris Cole (9) runs against Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) after recovering a fumble by quarterback John Mateer (10) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Raylen Wilson (5) sacks Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) which results in a fumble during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Raylen Wilson (5) sacks Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) leaps while running after a catch against Georgia Bulldogs safety Rasean Dinkins (14) and defensive back Kyron Jones (31) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs live mascot Uga XI stands on the field before a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Dwight Phillips Jr. (20) runs the ball against Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Omarion Robinson (2) and defensive back Eli Bowen (23) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) calls the snap count at the line of scrimmage against the Oklahoma Sooners defense during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) throws a pass against Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs cheerleaders perform during the second half of a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs cheerleaders look on before a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables walks to the field before a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Fans in the Georgia Bulldogs student section cheer for their team against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma defensive MVP, standouts, key to rest of 2026

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Report: Ravens finalizing trade for Cards QB Jacoby Brissett

Oklahoma defensive MVP, standouts, key to rest of 2026

Defensive MVP: Jayden Jackson , DT

Can't Say Enough About: David Stone, DT

Defensive Newcomer: Jake Kruel, DE

Biggest Surprise on Defense: Tackling Struggles

Key to Rest of 2026: Getting to the Quarterback

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