NORMAN — OU’s 2025 defense got a boost Monday.
Interior defensive lineman Damonic Williams announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he would return next season.
Williams started every game at nose guard for the Sooners this season, playing 416 snaps — the most among OU interior defensive lineman — according to Pro Football Focus.
He finished with 35 tackles, 4.5 for loss, with one sack, two quarterback hurries and a forced fumble.
Williams said in December he was still considering his options for the future.
More: How to fix OU football: Ben Arbuckle, John Mateer are offensive key for Sooners in 2025
“Me, Coach (Todd) Bates, Coach (Brent) V(enables) have been talking about it,” Williams said at the time. “A lot of sit-down conversations on the phone with my family.”
Williams’ return gives the Sooners some stability on the defensive front, which also returns Jayden Jackson and Gracen Halton.
“Honestly, with or without me, they’re some ballers,” Williams said. “Coach Bates, Coach V did a really good job of recruiting the guys they wanted in that room. If I decide to come back, we’ll be ballers. If I don’t, ballers no matter what.”
Williams began his career at TCU, starting 27 games over two seasons in Fort Worth before transferring to Norman last offseason.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Damonic Williams will return to OU football for 2025, boosting defense
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