Brent Venables’ defense has become the defining engine of OU in 2025, with the 17-6 win over Missouri continuing that identity.
OU (9-2, 5-2 SEC) ranks No. 6 nationally in scoring defense and third against the run. Against Missouri (7-4, 3-4), OU’s defensive line generated constant pressure, recorded four sacks and eight tackles for loss, while the secondary capitalized with key interceptions from defensive backs sophomore Eli Bowen and junior Jacobe Johnson.
Leading the defense, redshirt junior linebackers Owen Heinecke and Kip Lewis combined for 18 tackles against Missouri with Heinecke posting a team-high 10 and Lewis adding eight tackles and a pass breakup.
Lewis said that the two have benefited from each other’s energy and grown together.
“I just love seeing Owen just reaping what he's been sowing out; he's the hardest worker I've known,” Lewis said. “I just always want to see him succeed and vice versa. We feed off of each other.”
According to redshirt senior linebacker Kendal Daniels, the Sooners’ defensive confidence hasn’t wavered even in the aftermath of midseason losses to Texas and Mississippi. Daniels said the way OU maintained its intensity through adversity — rather than letting those setbacks fracture momentum — has shaped the unit’s identity down the stretch.
“I feel like the intensity always (stays) the same,” Daniels said. “The losses, … they fueled us. When you lose a game, you come in and look yourself in the mirror, figure out what needs to be fixed.”
This week, OU’s defense will face Louisiana State University (7-4, 3-4), which ranks No. 123 nationally with 108.2 rushing yards per game. LSU senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who has thrown for 1,927 yards and 12 touchdowns this season, has been sidelined since Nov. 8 with an abdominal injury and is expected to miss the matchup against OU. Sophomore Michael Van Buren Jr. has filled in over the past two games and thrown for 647 yards and four touchdowns on the season, and according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, he will likely lead the Tigers this weekend.
As OU prepares to face LSU, it is No. 8 in College Football Playoff rankings, and it would punch its ticket with a win, an opportunity Daniels embraces.
“LSU is the biggest game of my life,” Daniels said. “We’re locked in on being our best.”
For Daniels, the upcoming matchup also carries added significance with playing a program he grew up admiring.
“Everything about LSU when I was younger, I watched Tyrann Mathieu — the Honey Badger — (and) … all the DBs that came out of there when I was little,” Daniels said. “I loved watching it. Playing against them this week is surreal.”
OU will kick off against LSU at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday on ABC.
This story was edited by Joshua McDaniel.
