Oklahoma's All-America Defensive Tackle Suffers Lower-Body Injury
Oklahoma defensive tackle David Stone sustained a lower-body injury during Monday's practice and is undergoing further testing to determine its severity. Stone, a preseason All-American, had a breakout performance against New Mexico with eight tackles and two tackles for loss. His potential absence would be a significant blow to the Sooners' defense ahead of a game against Georgia.
Stone's injury arrives amid a broader run of defensive setbacks for Oklahoma. Linebacker Kip Lewis has been out since the Michigan game, and Cole Sullivan and Michael Boganowski also missed the New Mexico matchup. With Georgia looming, the Sooners may turn to Trent Wilson, Nigel Smith II, Braxton Fely, Danny Saili, or Bishop Thomas to fill the interior gap alongside Jayden Jackson.
Stone's rise has been steady since arriving as a five-star recruit in 2024. After a modest freshman season, he became a cornerstone of a defense that led the SEC in total defense, scoring defense, and sacks in 2025. His draft stock has climbed accordingly, with ESPN's Jordan Reid projecting him as the No. 12 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
College football programs and their fans invest heavily in the fortunes of star players, and injuries like Stone's ripple well beyond the field. For Oklahoma, a marquee matchup against Georgia carries playoff implications, and the loss of a preseason All-American could reshape the team's season. For Stone personally, a prolonged absence may affect his draft positioning. For the broader sport, it underscores how fragile championship aspirations can be.