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Oklahoma Sooners Prospect Profile: 2026 Defensive Tackle Valdin Sone

A look at Oklahoma Sooners four-star 2026 defensive tackle target Valdin Sone.

The Oklahoma Sooners have revamped their defensive line over Brent Venables three seasons in Norman. Impact additions like Da’Jon Terry and Damonic Williams via the transfer portal, along with recruiting wins of [autotag]Gracen Halton[/autotag], [autotag]David Stone[/autotag], [autotag]Jayden Jackson[/autotag], and Trent Wilson, have given the Sooners a strong defensive tackle group for Todd Bates to work with.

The Sooners are hoping to continue that trend. This weekend, OU hosted 2026 defensive tackle prospect Valdin Sone. Sone was born in Sweden but plays his high school ball in Virginia.

He comes in at an imposing 6-foot-3 and 325 pounds. According to 247Sports, he has an athletic background in soccer and jiu jitsu, which will bode well for his endurance, athleticism, flexibility, and ability to shed blockers with his hands.

He’s considered a four-star prospect by 247Sports as the No. 35 defensive tackle prospect in the country and the No. 9 player in the state of Virginia.

Sone is a force in the middle. He has the strength to push back opposing offensive linemen and get in the backfield to make plays. He displays strong hands and is able to shed blockers at the point of attack. When asked to rush the passer, Sone displays good quickness and can shrink to fit in between blockers and get to the quarterback. He plays with great effort as both a run defender and a pass rusher.

Still new to football, Sone has the size and the demeanor to be a force in the middle of a Power Four defensive line. He has the ability to be a starting nose tackle at the Power Four level.

Valdin Sone’s Recruiting Profile

Film

Hudl

Rating

	Stars	Overall	Position	State
ESPN	—	—	—	—
Rivals	3	—	29	14
247Sports	4	—	35	9
247 Composite	3	378	45	19
On3 Recruiting	3	—	28	—
On3 Industry	4	326	37	—

Vitals

Hometown	Dyke, Va. (By Way of Sweden)
Projected Position	Defensive Tackle
Height	6-3
Weight	325 pounds

Recruitment

Offered on
Visited for Junior Day weekend of January 25, 2025.

Notable Offers

Per 247Sports

Alabama
Auburn
Florida
Florida
Florida State
Georgia
Kentucky
LSU
Miami
Nebraska
Oklahoma
Penn State
South Carolina
Texas A&M

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Oklahoma Sooners defensive tackle named FWAA Freshman All-American

Oklahoma Sooners defensive tackle named Freshman All-American by Football Writer’s Association of America.

The Oklahoma Sooners found an immediate impact player in the 2024 recruiting class when [autotag]Jayden Jackson[/autotag] committed and signed with the Sooners.

Jackson has earned a number of freshman accolades after a tremendous year with the Sooners. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman team along with Eli Bowen, and on Tuesday, Jackson was named a freshman All-American by the Football Writer’s Association of America.

Jackson was originally a three-star prospect but saw his stock rise incredibly over his junior and senior seasons and finished as a four-star player in the cycle. As an early enrolee, Jackson turned heads during the Sooners Alamo Bowl preparation and hasn’t slowed down. He wowed during spring ball, the spring game, and during fall camp and earned the right to start at defensive tackle for the Sooners week one vs. Temple.

And he didn’t disappoint. Jackson was a force in the middle, making life difficult for opposing offensive lines, in particular in the run game.

On the season, Jackson finished eighth on the team with 30 total tackles and added three tackles for loss and two sacks. According to Pro Football Focus, he started 10 of Oklahoma’s 13 games this season and finished

As part of the Sooners defensive tackle rotation, Jackson helped the Sooners become one of the best run defenses in the nation in 2024. The Sooners defensive tackle rotation of Jackson, Damonic Williams, Gracen Halton, and David Stone is one of the strengths of the team and has a chance to be one of the best defensive tackle groups in all of college football in 2025.

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Could Oklahoma pursue Clemson defensive tackle transfer?

Could the Oklahoma Sooners pursue Clemson Transfer Portal defensive tackle?

The Oklahoma Sooners look set in the middle of their defensive line.

[autotag]Gracen Halton[/autotag] had a breakout year. [autotag]Jayden Jackson[/autotag] earned a starting role as a true freshman. [autotag]Damonic Williams[/autotag] is returning for one more year. And former five-star defensive tackle [autotag]David Stone[/autotag] will be called upon to contribute more in 2025.

That’s a nice four-man rotation for the Sooners at defensive tackle. They also have Markus Strong, who didn’t play much in 2024. When he did play, he showed an edge Todd Bates can continue to develop. Oklahoma brought in four-star defensive tackle [autotag]Trent Wilson[/autotag], who brings a lot of promise to the position as well.

However, the Sooners could add another big body to the middle of the defense via the [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag]. Tre Williams, a former four-star defensive tackle, is reportedly entering the portal from Clemson, according to Pete Nakos of On3.

Williams was recruited by Todd Bates and Brent Venables and spent five years with the Clemson Tigers. As a grad transfer, he’d have one more year of eligibility. He’d be another veteran presence in the middle of the defense for the Sooners, filling the void left by the departing Da’Jon Terry.

In 2024, Williams recorded 14 total tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks on just 303 snaps. He was a key piece for a defense that allowed 23.4 points per game for the ACC champion Tigers.

Both of Williams’ sacks came in Clemson’s College Football Playoff loss to the Texas Longhorns.

He’s an experienced player who is familiar with Brent Venables’ system and could add to what the Sooners are trying to do on defense in 2025.

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Oklahoma Sooners bringing back plenty of production at defensive tackle

OU will be looking to the defensive tackle position to lead the defense next year.

The Oklahoma Sooners lost defensive coordinator Zac Alley, who took the same position at West Virginia over the weekend. A defense that was so good in 2024 could take a dip in 2025, after it was the best OU had put on the field in years. Head coach [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] is searching for his next defensive coordinator.

Unlike the offense in Norman, the defense has been on an incline since Venables arrived, and that side of the ball is his specialty. The defense probably won’t fall off a cliff next season, regardless of who calls the shots.

Whoever the next defensive coordinator is will have the aid of a very experienced and productive defensive line that returns so many players for 2025. [autotag]Da’Jon Terry[/autotag] is out of eligibility, but [autotag]Jayden Jackson[/autotag], [autotag]Damonic Williams[/autotag], [autotag]Gracen Halton[/autotag] and [autotag]David Stone[/autotag] will all be back in Norman next year.

Jackson, Halton and Stone were thought to be likely to return, but keeping them all in the boat is a win for Venables and defensive tackles coach [autotag]Todd Bates[/autotag] nonetheless. Jackson and Stone were true freshmen who saw good playing time in Year 1, and Halton had a breakout season as part of Oklahoma’s dynamic defensive tackle rotation.

Williams’ return is key, as he adds another productive veteran up front. Now the coaching staff doesn’t have to try to address defensive tackle in the [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag].

With the many holes on the roster after a bad 6-7 season, the Sooners should once again be very good at defensive tackle. It’s one of the most important positions to have talent and depth in the [autotag]SEC[/autotag]. Oklahoma will be leaning on the big guys once again as they try to bounce back in 2025.

Pair of Oklahoma Sooners named ESPN Freshmen All-Americans

Pair of Oklahoma Sooners freshmen named ESPN Freshman All-Americans.

The Oklahoma Sooners played a number of young players on both sides of the football. Some played out of necessity due to injury. However, in the case of [autotag]Jayden Jackson[/autotag] and [autotag]Eli Bowen[/autotag] on defense, the Sooners saw a pair of true freshmen earn starting roles in 2024.

The duo earned freshman All-American honors from ESPN.

Jackson earned the start in the season opener for the Sooners at defensive tackle and immediately made a difference. When he wasn’t making plays in the backfield, he was eating up blocks and allowing the Sooners’ second-level defenders to play free. Jackson was part of a dynamic four-man rotation at defensive tackle that helped the Sooners become one of the best-run defenses in the country in 2024.

It’s not surprising that a former IMG Academy defensive tackle emerged as a key freshman contributor for Oklahoma. But few predicted that Jackson — not high school teammate and 2024 five-star David Stone — would quickly become a building block for the Sooners’ defense. Jackson became the first true freshman to start a season opener at defensive tackle for Oklahoma since Tommie Harris in 2001. The 6-foot-2, 300-pounder made 28 tackles and a pair of sacks along with nine starts to earn All-SEC Freshman honors. Jackson impressed Sooners coaches with his maturity, and he’s a sturdy, physical presence who plays with leverage at the heart of Oklahoma’s defense. – Tom Luginbill, ESPN

Eli Bowen didn’t open the season as a starter, but he emerged down the stretch as one of Oklahoma’s best cornerbacks. His play against Ryan Williams in the win over Alabama was the high point of his true freshman season and Bowen enters the offseason with an opportunity to start for the Sooners defense in 2025.

While much of the focus will be on Brent Venables’ retooled offense in 2025, the Sooners quietly identified and quickly developed multiple under-the-radar impact freshmen contributors on defense. Neither Bowen nor teammate Jayden Jackson were ESPN 300 recruits coming out of high school. Bowen is undersized at 5-foot-9, 186 pounds but he’s a willing tackler, notching a season-high eight tackles against rival Texas. His instincts also showed up on his first career interception when he jumped a screen pass from Jalen Milroe in Oklahoma’s 24-3 win over then-No. 7 Alabama in late November. – Luginbill, ESPN

Jackson and Bowen are part of a young collective of defenders that make up the next wave of Sooners to lead the defense. Their impact in 2025 will be a big reason why Oklahoma has success on the defensive side of the ball.

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Oklahoma Sooners defensive tackle returning to OU for 2025

Oklahoma Sooners get good news with a key defensive piece returning for the 2025 season.

The Oklahoma Sooners won a significant recruiting battle when they landed Damonic Williams out of the [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag] in 2024. And [autotag]Damonic Williams[/autotag] isn’t done at OU.

He posted a reel on his Instagram stating, “One more year.”

There was a thought that Williams might head for the NFL after his one season in Norman, but will continue to be an anchor for the Sooners defense.

Williams was a big reason why the Oklahoma Sooner’s defense became one of the best-run defenses in the nation in 2024. With his return, the Sooners defensive tackle rotation continues to be a strength of the team with Williams, [autotag]Gracen Halton[/autotag], and [autotag]Jayden Jackson[/autotag]. Former five-star prospect [autotag]David Stone[/autotag] will take on a bigger role next year.

In 2024, Williams set a career-high in total tackles with 35. He tied his previous numbers at TCU with five tackles for loss and added a sack. According to Pro Football Focus, Williams was ninth on the team in total pressures with eight.

With Da’Jon Terry out of eligibility, Williams will be the veteran voice in the defensive tackle room and will continue to be a force for the Oklahoma Sooners.

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Oklahoma Sooners defensive coordinator hire will have a lot to work with

Whoever Oklahoma hires to be their defensive coordinator will have a lot to work with.

The Oklahoma Sooners have had a hard time holding onto coordinators during Brent Venables’ tenure. For the second consecutive offseason, the Sooners will replace both offensive and defensive coordinators.

Last year, Seth Littrell took over for Jeff Lebby, who took the coaching job at Mississippi State. Zac Alley, who is reportedly heading for West Virginia, took the reins of the defense from Ted Roof.

After a disastrous season on offense during which injuries, inexperience and innovation held the Sooners back, Oklahoma landed one of the hottest offensive coordinators in the country, Ben Arbuckle.

Now, Venables has another decision to make.

But with his track record on defense and his connections across the game, finding a defensive coordinator that’s a fit for the Sooners coach shouldn’t be an issue.

Oklahoma boasts a strong defensive corps despite the departures of Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman to the NFL. There are several players up in the air, like R Mason Thomas, but OU will still have an intriguing group of talented players to work with on defense.

Despite what 2024 was for the Sooners and the hot-seat nature of Venables’ status in 2025, Oklahoma is still an attractive job.

The Sooners will have several strong candidates to choose from, both in-house and across the country. Whoever they bring in will have a great deal of talent to work with in 2025.

The safety room is still loaded with Peyton Bowen, Reggie Powers, Michael Boganowski and Jaydan Hardy. If Robert Spears-Jennings returns for another season, it’ll bolster that group further.

At linebacker, Kobie McKinzie, Kip Lewis, Lewis Carter, Samuel Omosigho and Jaren Kanak represent a blue-chip linebacker corps that has the speed and athleticism to continue to produce at a high level for the Sooners.

Cornerback showed it has some intriguing up and coming talents in Eli Bowen and Jacobe Johnson. If they can get Gentry Williams healthy and on the field for a full season, cornerback will continue to emerge as a reliable part of the Sooners defense.

The defensive line may have the biggest questions. But that all depends on the NFL draft decisions of R Mason Thomas, Damonic Williams and Gracen Halton. If all three return, the Sooners’ defensive line will be really good again in 2025. That trio, along with Jayden Jackson, were key to Oklahoma’s success up front. Additionally, the development of David Stone, Danny Okoye, Adepoju Adebawore, Danny Okoye, Nigel Smith and Wyatt Gilmore provide the Sooners defensive front with blue-chip talent to deploy.

Trio of Oklahoma Sooners key on defense against Navy Midshipmen

Three Oklahoma defenders that will be key to an Oklahoma Sooners win over Navy.

The Oklahoma Sooners have a unique matchup ahead of them this Friday as they take on the Navy Midshipmen. They’ll face a full-fledged option team in Fort Worth.

The Sooners have been really good against the run this season but haven’t faced a team like Navy. The Midshipmen will run it on just about every down and the misdirection created by the option game can make it difficult to contain.

Given the losses the Sooners have suffered on defense to the NFL draft and the transfer portal, it’s critical the OU defense puts together a good team effort. But there are a few players who will need to step their game up to help Oklahoma contain Navy’s option attack.

1. Kobie McKinzie, LB

Danny Stutsman won’t play in the bowl game, so Kobie McKinzie will get the start alongside Kip Lewis at linebacker. McKinzie has had a really good season taking on a bigger role in year two with the Sooners and will be asked to take on a bigger role against Navy.

The Midshipmen will run the ball nearly every play. It will be imperative for McKinzie and the linebacker crew to stay disciplined with their keys throughout the game.

He’s a big, physical linebacker that has the athleticism to run sideline to sideline. In 2024, McKinzie has 28 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack and a half. The most tackles he’s ever had in a game was seven, back in 2023 against Oklahoma State. He could easily set a career-high in tackles this week.

2. R Mason Thomas, DE

There won’t be a lot of opportunities to rush the passer in this game, but the defensive end group will have to be assignment-sound against the Navy run game. R Mason Thomas has had a fantastic season, breaking out with nine sacks in 2024, but his work as a run defender shouldn’t be overlooked. He’s been really good against the run, helping set the edge to force things back inside for the Sooners’ defensive tackles.

When Navy tries to run the option to the perimeter, Thomas and the rest of the defensive ends can keep it in check by getting upfield and forcing them back toward the middle of the field.

3. Jayden Jackson, DT

The Oklahoma Sooners boast an incredible front seven led by a defensive tackle group that might be one of the best in the nation. Jayden Jackson emerged in fall camp to earn a starting role in the middle of the Sooners defense.

Jackson has shown the ability to not only hold up at the point of attack, but be able to get into the backfield and make plays. On the season, he’s recorded 28 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks.

If the defensive tackle group can limit what Navy can do up the middle, it will make things a lot easier for the defensive ends and the back seven to stay true to their keys on the perimeter.

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Oklahoma Sooners offer transfer portal defensive tackle

The Oklahoma Sooners are hoping to fortify their defensive tackle ranks with an offer to a talented transfer interior defensive lineman.

The Oklahoma Sooners defensive interior was one of the strengths of the roster in 2024. [autotag]Damonic Williams[/autotag], [autotag]Da’Jon Terry[/autotag], [autotag]Gracen Halton[/autotag] and [autotag]Jayden Jackson[/autotag] formed a strong rotation that helped the Sooners become one of the best run defenses in the nation.

With Terry off to the NFL, the Sooners are looking to fortify their rotation and have issued an offer to [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag] defensive lineman David Blay. Blay posted that Oklahoma offered on X.

Blay led the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs with 6 1/2 sacks and 11 tackles for loss in 2024. He also had 46 total tackles for a defense that finished 20th in the nation in scoring. According to Pro Football Focus, Blay was 12th among defensive tackles in college football in PFF’s “stops” metric.

Against Arkansas, Blay recorded six total tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack. In Week 2 against North Carolina State, the talented defensive tackle had two total tackles and a tackle for loss.

At 6-foot-4 and 303 pounds, Blay has the requisite size to play on the inside for an SEC defense and would be a strong addition to the Sooners defensive tackle rotation.

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Sooners defensive tackle among PFF’s best true freshmen from week 8

After his strong performance against South Carolina, Jayden Jackson earned the best interior defensive lineman grades from Pro Football Focus.

The Oklahoma Sooners spent the first couple of years on the recruiting trail working tirelessly to fortify their defensive line. It all culminated in a strong [autotag]2024 recruiting class[/autotag] upfront.

One of the key figures in that recruiting class was defensive tackle [autotag]Jayden Jackson[/autotag]. Seven games into his Sooners career, he’s already meeting expectations. The four-star prospect out of IMG Academy was a week one starter for Oklahoma, becoming the first true freshman to start at defensive tackle since Tommie Harris.

And he keeps getting better each week. Against South Carolina, he had arguably his best game of the season, posting his highest defensive grade from Pro Football Focus. He had four total tackles, including a sack, two total pressures, and three stops, which PFF defines as a play that constitutes a loss for the defense.

He was the highest-graded true freshman defensive tackle from Week 8 and was among the 10 highest-graded true freshmen from the week.

Through seven games, Jackson ranks among PFF’s 10 highest-graded Sooners, coming in at No. 9.

On the season, Jackson is tied for 10th on the Sooners with 16 total tackles. He’s recorded one tackle for loss and one sack in 2024. And he’s just scratching the surface.

So much of what Jackson’s been able to do for the Sooners doesn’t show up on the stat sheets. He’s been difficult to move off the ball and his quickness has been a challenge for opposing offensive linemen.

Even with Damonic Williams, Da’Jon Terry, and Gracen Halton all playing well, it’s hard to keep Jackson off the field. With that four-man rotation in the middle, the Sooners have become one of the best run defenses in the nation, surrendering just 2.9 yards per carry in 2024, which ranks ninth.

Just seven games into his Sooners career, Jayden Jackson has been everything Oklahoma could have hoped for. And the scary thing is he will only continue to get better.