Steve Curtis - David Stone Injury Puts Oklahoma’s Defensive Tackle Depth to the Test

Steve Curtis | September 21st, 2026

Oklahoma spent the offseason trying to rebuild the defensive tackle depth that helped make its defense dominant in 2025.

That depth may now face its most critical test.

Starting defensive tackle David Stone dislocated his left knee during Monday’s practice, a source told me.

Stone will undergo an MRI early Tuesday morning, but the initial fear is that he will miss the remainder of the 2026 season. Brent Venables is expected to provide an update during his weekly press conference later in the day.

The injury reportedly occurred while Stone was working with Oklahoma’s offense as part of a goal-line package.

It came less than 48 hours after his best performance of the season.

Stone recorded a career-high eight tackles, two tackles for loss and half a sack during Oklahoma’s 14-6 victory over New Mexico. After producing four tackles without a tackle for loss through the first two games, Stone looked much more like the disruptive interior defender the Sooners expected entering the season.

Oklahoma defensive lineman David Stone (0) laughs during warm ups before a NCAA college football game against UTEP in Norman, Okla., Friday, Sept. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

Now Oklahoma may have to replace him.

Stone and Jayden Jackson entered 2026 as the established pieces atop the defensive tackle room. Both played significant roles in Oklahoma’s defensive success a season ago, helping the Sooners lead the SEC in 17 categories, including tackles for loss and sacks.

But the strength of that group extended well beyond its starters.

Oklahoma could rotate Gracen Halton, Damonic Williams, Markus Strong, Stone and Jackson without experiencing a significant drop-off. Halton and Williams have since moved on to the NFL, while Strong transferred to Clemson.

That left Oklahoma betting heavily on the development of the players behind Stone and Jackson.

If Stone is sidelined, that bet becomes considerably more important.

Trent Wilson and Nigel Smith II spent the offseason preparing for larger roles after working extensively with the first-team defense during the spring. Bishop Thomas brought additional experience after transferring from Georgia State and has made an early impact, recording five tackles, including a tackle for loss and half a sack.

Oklahoma also added Braxton Fely and Danny Saili earlier this month. Both appeared against New Mexico despite having little time to learn Venables’ defense.

Together, this group will now be asked to replace one of Oklahoma’s most important players.

Stone emerged as the Sooners’ most productive interior defender in 2025, recording 42 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. His combination of power, athleticism and experience made him one of the centerpieces of Venables’ defense and a potential first-round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft.

His absence would extend beyond that production. Stone was named a captain for the first time this season and entered the year as one of the veteran leaders of Oklahoma’s defensive front.

Now, Oklahoma must prepare for the possibility that the defensive tackle depth it spent the offseason rebuilding will have to carry the interior without him.