OU's Young Defensive Tackles Poised for Breakout Spring

Nigel Smith and Trent Wilson look to solidify roles on Sooners' defensive line

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:52pm

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After dealing with injuries and position changes in his first two seasons, Oklahoma defensive tackle Nigel Smith is eager to make the most of a critical spring practice period. With key contributors Gracen Halton and Damonic Williams departing, Smith and fellow tackle Trent Wilson have a prime opportunity to cement themselves in the Sooners' defensive line rotation.

Why it matters

Oklahoma's defensive line was one of the best in the country last season, but the Sooners must replace two starters. Smith and Wilson have a chance to prove they can maintain the unit's high level of play and provide valuable depth behind returning starters David Stone and Jayden Jackson.

The details

Smith, a former four-star recruit, switched from defensive end to tackle and suffered an ankle injury that kept him out for most of the 2025 season. Now healthy, he is determined to take advantage of increased reps this spring with Stone and Jackson sidelined by injuries. Along with Wilson, Smith aims to show he can seamlessly replace the production of Halton and Williams and ensure there is no drop-off when the starters need a breather.

  • Spring practices began in late March 2026 for the Sooners.

The players

Nigel Smith

A third-year defensive tackle at Oklahoma who is looking to solidify his role on the defensive line after dealing with injuries and position changes in his first two seasons.

Trent Wilson

Another young defensive tackle at Oklahoma who is competing with Nigel Smith for increased playing time this spring.

David Stone

A returning starting defensive tackle for Oklahoma who is sidelined with an injury for much of spring practice.

Jayden Jackson

Oklahoma's other returning starting defensive tackle who is also recovering from an injury and will miss significant time this spring.

Gracen Halton

A defensive tackle who departed Oklahoma for the NFL after last season, leaving a void on the defensive line.

Damonic Williams

Another defensive tackle who left Oklahoma for the NFL, creating an opportunity for younger players like Smith and Wilson.

Brent Venables

Oklahoma's head coach, who has been encouraged by the progress of the team's young defensive tackles this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“You don't even understand. This spring is huge for me. I am so excited. Cannot wait to get into pads Saturday and just compete against these guys. I have been wanting to be the first guy to go out. This is me being able to prove to go and be a part of that competitive depth that when Stone and Jay (Jackson), when they come out, there is no drop off. I am able to compete for that starting spot. And whatever happens, happens.”

— Nigel Smith, Oklahoma Defensive Tackle

“Defensively, I've been very encouraged by our young defensive tackles. … I've been really impressed. Again, it's not just yesterday and today. It's over the last several months. And the maturity, the work that they've put in in the film room has shown up. So we've seen that in walkthroughs and things like that over the last several weeks.”

— Brent Venables, Oklahoma Head Coach

What’s next

The Sooners will continue spring practices, with the young defensive tackles like Nigel Smith and Trent Wilson looking to solidify their roles on the defensive line ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Oklahoma's defensive line was a strength last season, and the Sooners are counting on their young tackles like Nigel Smith and Trent Wilson to step up and maintain that level of play despite the departures of key contributors. This spring will be crucial for Smith and Wilson to prove they can provide quality depth and potentially even challenge for starting jobs.