Oklahoma Football Receives Boost as Davon Sears Eligible to Return in 2025
In a welcome development for Oklahoma football fans, senior defensive tackle Davon Sears has been granted an additional year of NCAA eligibility. This news comes on the heels of the NCAA’s latest legal defeat, which has resulted in a blanket waiver for outgoing seniors who previously played at a junior college.
Sears, who began his college career at Ellsworth College in Iowa, played two years at Texas State before joining the Oklahoma Sooners in 2023. Despite announcing his intention to enter the NFL Draft on December 8, Sears has since withdrawn his name, indicating his plans to return to college for the 2025 season.
The 6-foot-2, 297-pound defensive tackle has played a limited role in his two seasons at Oklahoma, appearing in just seven games and recording four tackles and half a quarterback sack. However, his 2022 season at Texas State was more productive, with 15 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, two passes defensed, and one QB hurry in 12 games.
While Sears’ return is not guaranteed, his eligibility provides a significant boost to Oklahoma’s defensive tackle rotation. With senior Da’Jon Terry graduated and redshirt freshman Ashton Sanders in the transfer portal, the Sooners’ defensive line was facing a potential overhaul. Sears’ potential return, combined with the expected contributions from freshman Jayden Jackson, junior Damonic Williams, junior Gracen Halton, and freshman David Stone, provides a more stable foundation for the team’s defense.
It’s worth noting that Oklahoma’s roster management will be a key factor in Sears’ decision. The Sooners are required to reduce their total roster size to 105 players next season, down from 125 this season. As a result, Sears may face competition for a spot on the team, and could potentially explore options via the transfer portal.
In conclusion, the news of Davon Sears’ eligibility is a welcome development for Oklahoma football fans. While his return is not guaranteed, his potential contribution to the team’s defensive line provides a significant boost to the Sooners’ prospects for the 2025 season.
