The Oklahoma Sooners are staring down a pivotal offseason at linebacker, with key decisions looming and a room that could look very different in 2026. The biggest question? Kip Lewis.
Lewis was the heartbeat of Brent Venables’ defense this past season. He led the team with 76 tackles, chipped in 10.5 tackles for loss, and added four sacks-both marks good for third on the squad.
Statistically, he wasn’t just a standout in Norman-he ranked fifth among all SEC off-ball linebackers in total stops and pressures. But beyond the numbers, Lewis stepped into a leadership role that had been vacated when Danny Stutsman left for the NFL.
He didn’t just fill the void-he owned it.
Now, Lewis has a decision to make. He’s got one year of eligibility left, but if he declares for the 2026 NFL Draft, there’s a strong chance he hears his name called in the top 100 picks.
That kind of draft stock is hard to pass up, but Oklahoma is hoping history repeats itself. The Sooners managed to retain both Stutsman and R Mason Thomas in back-to-back offseasons, and they’re hoping Lewis follows suit.
If he does return, it’s a massive win for a defense that’s already losing Kendal Daniels to the draft and could see more movement with Kobie McKinzie expected to enter the transfer portal when it opens on January 2. McKinzie was part of the linebacker rotation this year and brings experience that’s tough to replace. Meanwhile, breakout player Owen Heinecke is appealing to the NCAA for another year of eligibility-his case hinges on three lacrosse games he played as a freshman at Ohio State.
Even if Lewis sticks around, Oklahoma will need to bolster its linebacker depth through the portal. The program has young talent-Sammy Omosigho, James Nesta, and Marcus James all bring promise, and the 2026 signees add to that-but experience matters, especially in the SEC. The Sooners ran a four-man linebacker rotation this season, and with the cheetah position also losing Daniels, there are real gaps to fill.
If Lewis decides to move on to the NFL, the urgency ramps up. Oklahoma would likely need to bring in two proven veterans to anchor a young but talented linebacker room. That’s where the transfer portal becomes critical.
One name to watch is Owen Long from Colorado State. The Sooners have been linked to him, and for good reason.
Long was a tackling machine in 2025-151 total tackles, five for loss, two sacks, five pass breakups, and a forced fumble. He played over 700 snaps and was the clear leader of the Rams’ defense, doubling the tackle output of the next closest defender.
He checks the boxes for experience, production, and leadership-exactly what Oklahoma needs if Lewis doesn’t return.
But make no mistake-Lewis is the domino. Like Isaiah Sategna is for the offense, Lewis’ decision will shape the defense’s identity in 2026.
If he comes back, the Sooners get a veteran with four years in Venables’ system, a proven playmaker, and a leader who can help guide the next wave of linebackers. It’s the same kind of continuity Stutsman provided when he returned in 2024, and it could be the difference between a good defense and a great one.
For Oklahoma, the goal is clear: get back to the College Football Playoff. And whether or not Kip Lewis returns could go a long way in determining if that’s a realistic path or just wishful thinking.