Dec 11, 20233 min read

All-American Linebacker Danny Stutsman returns to Oklahoma

Updated: Dec 11, 2023

The Sooners had a tremendous bounce-back 2023 campaign going 10-2. after a disastrous 2022, where the Blue-Blood superpower went 6-7. That would be Oklahoma's first losing season in a quarter-century. Many around the country were unsure what to do with the talented Oklahoma squad, but they did make it into the preseason poll ranked 17th. The Sooners stayed in the polls every week this season, and much of that was due to the play of Second-team All-America linebacker Danny Stutsman. The junior linebacker in 10.5 games registered 99 tackles, including 16 for a loss and three sacks. Oklahoma went 10-0 in games where Stutsman started and finished, and 0-2 in the games when he was absent, or left early. This highlights the value and importance he has on this team.

Sooner nation woke up to great news on Monday morning, the star linebacker will run it back for his senior season, Oklahoma's debut in the Southeastern Conference.

Red River Legend: Danny Stutsman

Danny made himself a Red River legend in October at the Cotton Bowl with his pregame speech.

"Oklahoma only fears God, and Texas fears Oklahoma."

That rang true, as the Sooners won the Red River Rivalry game against the Longhorns sending an emphatic message to the world of college football that the 2022 season was a fluke. Stutsman had 9 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss in the contest and contributed to a goal-line-stand that would be enormous in Oklahoma's four-point victory.

Of course, Danny also took advantage of an opportunity to make a quick buck with these awesome tee-shirts!

Danny Stutsman entered the draft then changed his mind?

There was a report from Sooner Scoop, the ON3 beat for Oklahoma football that Danny Stutsman had met with head coach Brent Venables and informed him that he would declare for the NFL Draft. However, that decision was never final, and there was a lot of back and forth between what the decision would be from Stutsman.

While according to sources I spoke with the meeting did take place, and Stutsman did inform them he intended to go pro, Scoop jumped the gun in an attempt to be first. Oklahoma and Danny were still in open communications about the possibility of a return. as there was a lot of back and forth at the time on the decision. Danny then went radio silent on social media the following days, only retweeting a few posts on X, about his teammate's decisions. It was clear the decision had not been made, and Brent Venables somewhat alluded to that when asked about it.

"Everything has its time, and whenever Danny’s prepared to let everybody know what his future is gonna look like, out of respect for him, I’ll reserve comment for that moment in time.”

Impact for Oklahoma and Danny Stutsman

Stutsman is the unquestioned leader for the Oklahoma defense, and perhaps the team as a whole. He makes others around him better with his mastery of Brent Venables's scheme. Oklahoma was undefeated this season with him on the field, which should tell you plenty. But the pairing of Stutsman's return alongside the return of All-America safety Billy Bowman means the Sooners will likely be entering the SEC with a pair of preseason first-team All-Americans in their debut.

For Stutsman, he was looking at a Day two NFL draft grade. Either a mid to late second-round selection or perhaps a third-round selection. With another big campaign, this time in the SEC Danny could move himself into a first-round conversation. He will also greatly enjoy the benefits of returning to school via NIL. This will allow him to maximize his first NFL contract. In addition, Stutsman loves Oklahoma and believes in what is being built. He can greatly help his alma mater in the transition to SEC. Oklahoma could also be on the precipice of a CFP berth and an opportunity to compete for a national championship. Stutsman also dreamed of one day winning the Butkus Award, and he will certainly be the front-runner for the hardware heading into 2023.