The Oklahoma Sooners’ defense just got even stronger for 2025 as safety Robert Spears-Jennings revealed on social media that he’ll be back for another season. Spears-Jennings has been a key force in Oklahoma’s secondary, and his decision to return gives the Sooners another cornerstone piece to build on.
In 2024, Spears-Jennings was everywhere for Oklahoma’s defense, finishing second on the team with 65 total tackles, fifth with five tackles for loss, and fourth with 2.5 sacks. He also grabbed an interception and led the team with four forced fumbles. One of his most unforgettable moments came when he blitzed from the edge, sacked Tennessee’s quarterback Nico Iamaleava, and forced a fumble—though it was later overshadowed by a turnover on Oklahoma’s side.
After stepping into a rotational role in 2023, Spears-Jennings earned a starting safety spot in 2024, playing in all 11 games. He finished third on the team in snaps, behind only Billy Bowman and Danny Stutsman. According to Pro Football Focus, he was one of the highest-graded players on the team among those with 150+ snaps.
With Bowman moving on to the NFL, Spears-Jennings will now take on an even bigger role both on the field and as a leader in the locker room. Entering his fourth season with the Sooners, he’s ready to step up and guide the defense in 2025.
His return comes just days after defensive tackle Damonic Williams announced his return for another year. With these two crucial defensive pieces back, Oklahoma’s defense is poised to be a dominant force in 2025.
