Alright, Sooners fans, let’s talk about one of our own heading to the NFL with a chip on his shoulder and a whole lot of #OUDNA. Ethan Downs, the heart-and-soul defensive end who’s been a wrecking ball for Oklahoma, has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent after the NFL Draft. It might not be the draft moment some expected, but don’t sleep on Downs—this guy’s got the tools, the grit, and the smarts to make a real splash in the pros. Let’s break down what he brings to the table, why this could be a perfect landing spot, and what it means for OU fans watching him chase his dreams in Duval.
Downs has been a Sooner through and through, and his journey to the NFL is the kind of story that makes you proud to bleed crimson and cream. Coming out of Weatherford High School in Weatherford, Oklahoma, he was a two-way star—rushing for 1,194 yards and 15 touchdowns as a running back while also piling up 203 tackles, 38 for loss, and 16 sacks on defense. He could’ve gone anywhere, but he chose OU, and over four seasons, he became a cornerstone of the Sooners’ defense. Downs started 37 games over his last three years, racking up 106 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, an interception, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and five pass breakups. In 2023, he earned second-team All-Big 12 honors with 4.5 sacks and a team-high 6.5 tackles for loss, plus his first career pick. He followed that up in 2024 with another second-team All-Big 12 nod, starting 12 games and notching 29 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. Oh, and let’s not forget—he was a recipient of OU’s Bob Kalsu Award for leadership, a true testament to the kind of teammate and motivator he’s been in Norman.
So, what’s Downs bringing to Jacksonville? At 6-foot-4 and 265 pounds, he’s got the size to hold his own at defensive end, but it’s his motor and football IQ that really stand out. This guy plays with a relentless edge, always hunting the ball, whether he’s crashing the backfield or chasing down a play from the backside. At the NFL Combine, he showed off his athleticism—testing well with numbers that prove he’s not just a power guy but someone who can move, too. Scouts might’ve knocked him for not being a top-tier speed rusher, but Downs makes up for it with technique and hustle. He’s got a knack for using his hands and leverage to shed blockers, something that showed up time and again at OU—like when he tossed aside two UCF blockers in 2023 to sack the quarterback, a play that had Sooners fans roaring.
For the Jaguars, Downs is stepping into a defense that’s looking to build depth and find guys who can make an impact. Jacksonville’s got some studs up front like Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, but they need rotational players who can step up and contribute. That’s where Downs fits in—he’s the kind of player who can spell the starters, bring energy off the bench, and make life miserable for opposing offenses. He’s versatile, too, having played multiple spots along OU’s defensive line under Brent Venables. Whether he’s setting the edge against the run or getting after the quarterback, Downs has a nose for the ball that could make him a fan favorite in Jacksonville. And let’s not forget his character—coaches rave about his work ethic and leadership, which is exactly what a young Jags team needs as they try to climb back into contention in the AFC South.
Let’s talk about some of Downs’ best moments at OU, because if you’ve watched him play, you know he’s got a highlight reel that pops. In 2024, he had a season-high six tackles and a tackle for loss at Missouri, showing he could dominate even against SEC competition. He also had a big game against Alabama, picking up two tackles for loss in a win over the No. 7-ranked Crimson Tide—talk about showing up when it counts. Go back to 2023, and you’ll remember his pick against Kansas, which he returned 13 yards, or that monster game against UCF where he had six tackles, a sack, and three quarterback hurries. Downs was always at his best when the stakes were high, like in the Red River Rivalry against Texas, where he had three tackles and a sack in 2024, plus another big performance in 2023 with two sacks. This is a guy who lives for the big moments, and that’s the kind of mentality that’ll serve him well in the NFL.
Now, let’s be real—the undrafted route isn’t easy. Downs will have to fight for a spot on the Jaguars’ 53-man roster, and he might start out on the practice squad or as a special teams contributor. Jacksonville’s depth chart at defensive end is crowded, with guys like Arik Armstead, Maason Smith, and Emmanuel Ogbah in the mix alongside Hines-Allen and Walker. But here’s the thing: Downs has never backed down from a challenge. He started as a true freshman at OU, earned his stripes in the SEC, and has the kind of intangibles that coaches love. He’s a high-effort guy who does the little things right—setting the edge, playing disciplined football, and making plays when his number’s called. If he can show that same tenacity in training camp, he’s got a real shot to stick around in Jacksonville.
For Sooners fans, this is a moment to celebrate. Downs gave everything to OU, from his breakout 2023 season to his steady presence in 2024 as the team transitioned to the SEC. He was a leader on and off the field, someone who embodied the spirit of Oklahoma football. Now, he’s taking that same energy to the Jaguars, where he’ll join a team looking to turn things around after a tough couple of seasons. Imagine Downs getting after quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud or Anthony Richardson in the AFC South, bringing that same fire he showed against Texas or Alabama. It’s the kind of matchup that’ll have OU fans tuning in every Sunday to see their guy make good.
So, what’s next for Downs? He’ll head to Jacksonville for rookie minicamp, where he’ll get his first taste of NFL action. From there, it’s all about proving himself in training camp and preseason games. If he can flash the same playmaking ability he showed at OU—think those sacks, those tackles for loss, that interception—he could carve out a role for himself. Maybe it’s a sack off the bench in a close game, or a big stop on third down that gets the crowd at EverBank Field roaring. Whatever it is, you know Downs will be giving it everything he’s got, just like he did in Norman.
For OU faithful, this is just the beginning of Ethan Downs’ pro journey. He’s carrying the Sooners’ legacy to Jacksonville, and you can bet he’ll be playing with the same heart and toughness that made him a star in college. Keep your eyes on this guy, Oklahoma fans—he’s got the tools to make us proud, and he’s just getting started. Let’s root for him to show the NFL what #OUDNA is all about.
