A significant boost is on the horizon for the Oklahoma Sooners’ defense in 2025, as standout defensive back Kendel Dolby has committed to returning next season. This announcement, shared via social media, has given a lift to fans and the team alike, especially considering how Dolby’s season was cut short by an ankle injury against Tennessee.
Before that untimely setback, Dolby had been making waves as one of the Sooners’ most effective defensive contributors. Starting three of the first four games this year, he gave the opposing offenses plenty to think about with his aggressive play. Through those games, Dolby amassed 10 tackles, a tackle for loss, a quarterback hurry, and a pass breakup. In 2023, he was rightly recognized with an honorable mention for the All-Big 12 Team, thanks to his stellar performance across all 13 games, accumulating 49 tackles, five tackles for loss, two interceptions, three pass breakups, two sacks, and four quarterback hurries.
Dolby’s return signals a significant reinforcement for the Sooners’ secondary, which will also see safety Robert Spears-Jennings back on the field, as confirmed by his own announcement on December 31. This continuity is sure to strengthen a defense that’s already set to welcome back key elements across the board. Linebackers like Kip Lewis and Kobie McKinzie, alongside defensive linemen such as Gracen Halton, Jayden Jackson, David Stone, and Damonic Williams, are all slated to return and contribute significantly to the team’s defensive strategies.
There might be even more good news on the horizon for the Sooners. The team is eagerly awaiting a decision from defensive end R Mason Thomas, who has kept fans on their toes with a recent video expressing gratitude to Sooner Nation, hinting at future moves without clearly disclosing his intentions.
Adding to this shifting landscape, it’s worth noting that the Sooners are operating without a defensive coordinator following Zac Alley’s move to West Virginia. Dolby’s commitment, however, brings a strong sense of optimism and stability amid these changes, as the Sooners gear up for a promising season with him back in action.
