Gerald McCoy highlights third-year defenders as key for OU's defense

Gerald McCoy identifies the third-year defensive players at Oklahoma as crucial for maintaining defensive strength in 2026. The Sooners improved defensively in 2025, contributing to their College Football Playoff return. Following the departure of several key players to the NFL, McCoy expressed confidence in the development of players like David Stone, Eli Bowen, and Taylor Wein. He emphasizes that third-year players often reach a pivotal point in their careers, which can influence their effectiveness on the field.

• 12:01 PMYahoo Sports — Gerald McCoy sees OU’s third-year defenders as regression fix