J.D. PicKell believes Oklahoma is building a defensive powerhouse

In just four seasons, Brent Venables has transformed the Oklahoma Sooners from the nation's No. 122 defense into the No. 6 unit in college football. Oklahoma must replace several key contributors from last season, including EDGE R Mason Thomas, defensive tackles Gracen Halton and Damonic Williams, Cheetah Kendal Daniels and safety Robert Spears-Jennings.

Despite those departures, there is still an expectation inside the program that the defense will regress in 2026. Instead, Oklahoma believes it has the talent to become the nation's top defense. That confidence stems from Venables' long track record of building elite defenses throughout his coaching career.

On3's J.D. PicKell said on "The Hard Count" that many inside the program believe this could be the best defense of the Venables era.

"They think this might be their best 11 they've had under Venables on that side of the football," PicKell said. "You never worry about scheme with Venables."

Replacing veterans such as Thomas and Halton won't be easy, but Oklahoma believes its overall talent level is stronger than ever. A big part of that is who the Sooners return on that side of the ball. Oklahoma returns 55% of its production on that side of the ball, including stars like David Stone, Jayden Jackson, Taylor Wein, Kip Lewis and Owen Heinecke.

With Venables directing one of the nation's premier defensive schemes and a roster filled with experienced playmakers, the Sooners have legitimate aspirations of finishing with the country's top defense. If that happens, Oklahoma should once again be firmly in the College Football Playoff and national championship conversation.

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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: J.D. PicKell believes Oklahoma is building a defensive powerhouse