For years, Oklahoma fans have watched Danny Stutsman blossom from a promising young prospect into one of the most feared and dynamic linebackers in college football. Now, after a senior season filled with bone-rattling tackles, clutch plays, and relentless leadership, Stutsman has received the ultimate recognition—he’s been officially named a consensus All-American by the NCAA. It’s a title few ever earn, and it’s a distinction that forever immortalizes his name in the annals of college football history.
Consensus All-American status isn’t given out lightly. It’s a unique honor that requires a player to be selected to the first team of at least half of the five NCAA-recognized All-America teams: the Associated Press, the American Football Coaches Association, the Football Writers Association of America, The Sporting News, and the Walter Camp Football Foundation. Not only did Stutsman make the cut—he cleared it with authority, earning first-team nods across the board. This recognition is not only a testament to his dominant play on the field, but also his unwavering commitment to excellence, development, and team leadership off it.
For Stutsman, the path to glory began long before his days in Norman. A native of Windermere, Florida, Stutsman was an underrated recruit out of Foundation Academy, but it didn’t take long for those paying close attention to recognize the raw instincts and physical tools he brought to the linebacker position. What he may have lacked in early national hype, he more than made up for in sheer determination and football IQ. Oklahoma’s coaching staff took a chance on him, and it turned out to be one of the best recruiting decisions of the past decade.
When Stutsman arrived at Oklahoma, he did what all great competitors do—he went to work. In a program that prides itself on excellence, grit, and resilience, Stutsman quickly became a student of the game, soaking up every bit of information he could. Early glimpses of his play showed flashes of promise, but his sophomore and junior years marked the beginning of his ascent. He tallied tackle after tackle, emerged as a vocal leader on defense, and slowly began to reshape what people expected from linebackers wearing the crimson and cream.
By the time he entered his senior year, there was no more hiding in the shadows. Stutsman was the heartbeat of Oklahoma’s defense. He commanded the huddle, made the defensive calls, and roamed sideline to sideline with a tenacity that left offensive coordinators sweating. His 2024 campaign was a masterclass in defensive excellence. He recorded over 110 tackles, including 18 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and a pair of forced fumbles. He also recorded an interception and several pass breakups, showcasing the kind of versatility that NFL scouts crave.
But numbers alone don’t tell the full story. What truly separated Stutsman this season was the intangibles—his leadership, his consistency, and his ability to elevate those around him. Time and time again, when Oklahoma needed a big play or a game-changing stop, it was No. 28 flying into the backfield or locking up a receiver in coverage. His motor never stopped, and neither did his impact.
Perhaps most impressive was his performance in Oklahoma’s biggest games. Against rival Texas in the Red River Rivalry, Stutsman was a one-man wrecking crew, recording 13 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and a critical sack that helped swing the momentum. He was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts, but more importantly, he helped Oklahoma secure a win in one of the most emotionally charged games of the season. He brought that same level of intensity to every matchup, whether it was a conference showdown or a late-season playoff push. Stutsman didn’t just show up—he dominated.
It wasn’t just coaches and fans who took notice. Opposing players routinely highlighted Stutsman as one of the most difficult defenders to prepare for. His speed, strength, and ability to diagnose plays made him a chess master in a game of checkers. He could stuff the run, rush the passer, drop into coverage, and still find time to rally the defense in crunch-time moments. That rare blend of athleticism and intellect made him a nightmare matchup for every offense he faced.
Off the field, Stutsman was every bit the leader and ambassador the Oklahoma program could hope for. He was a constant presence in the community, participating in charity events, mentoring younger players, and representing the university with class and integrity. In an age where name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities have changed the college landscape, Stutsman handled it all with humility, staying focused on the team and his goals.
Head coach Brent Venables, a defensive guru himself, often spoke glowingly of Stutsman’s impact. “Danny is the kind of player every coach dreams of having,” Venables said earlier this season. “He works tirelessly, plays with passion, and leads with his heart. He’s the kind of guy who makes everyone around him better. He’s a true Sooner through and through.”
The consensus All-American honor is just the latest—and likely not the last—milestone in Stutsman’s football journey. With the NFL Draft looming, scouts have him pegged as a high-value pick. His blend of production, leadership, and athletic upside make him an ideal fit for today’s fast-paced professional defenses. He’s already drawing comparisons to NFL greats who made the leap from college star to Sunday standout, and there’s little doubt that Stutsman will continue to shine at the next level.
For the Oklahoma program, Stutsman’s recognition is also a statement. It underscores the strength of the Sooners’ development pipeline, the defensive culture being reestablished under Venables, and the program’s enduring ability to produce elite-level talent. It’s also a reminder of what can happen when talent meets work ethic, and when a player commits fully to the process of getting better every single day.
As he now joins the prestigious fraternity of consensus All-Americans, Stutsman finds himself alongside some of the greatest names to ever wear an Oklahoma uniform—guys like Brian Bosworth, Roy Williams, Teddy Lehman, and Gerald McCoy. These aren’t just college legends; they’re icons of the sport. And now, Danny Stutsman stands shoulder to shoulder with them, his name forever etched into the legacy of Oklahoma football.
What makes his story even more compelling is how grounded and humble he’s remained throughout it all. After receiving news of his consensus All-American selection, Stutsman thanked his coaches, teammates, family, and fans. “This is bigger than me,” he said. “I wouldn’t be here without the guys I go to war with every week, and I’m just proud to represent this program and this university. It means the world.”
That kind of mindset—one centered on gratitude, team, and responsibility—has endeared him to fans not just in Norman, but across the college football landscape. It’s rare to find a player who checks every box the way Stutsman does. He’s a coach’s dream, a fan favorite, a locker-room cornerstone, and now, officially, one of the very best in the country.
As he prepares for the next chapter of his football journey, the memories he created in Norman will continue to inspire the next generation of Sooners. His legacy is secure, not only because of the accolades he’s earned, but because of the way he carried himself through adversity and success alike. In a world full of hype and headlines, Danny Stutsman let his play—and his heart—do the talking.
So congratulations, Danny. You’ve earned this moment. You’ve fought, bled, led, and thrived. You’ve honored the Sooner name and lifted your teammates every step of the way. And now, as a consensus All-American, your name is carved into the foundation of college football greatness.
You didn’t just play the game. You changed it.