In a move that sent shockwaves through the college football world, Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis has announced that he will return for the 2025 season, turning down potential early NFL Draft buzz and instead choosing to pursue what he describes as “unfinished business” in Norman. For Sooners fans and the broader college football community, Lewis’ decision is more than just a player coming back — it’s a statement of intent. The Sooners are not content with recent postseason frustrations, and their rising star linebacker is returning to lead a charge toward championship glory.
Kip Lewis: A Breakout Star with More to Prove
After a spectacular 2024 campaign in which Lewis emerged as the defensive anchor for the Sooners, many assumed he would declare for the NFL Draft. He racked up over 120 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions, earning All-Big 12 First Team honors and a national reputation as one of the most instinctive, sideline-to-sideline linebackers in the country.
But to Lewis, statistics and accolades weren’t enough.
“I came to Oklahoma to win a national championship, to leave a legacy that generations would remember,” Lewis said in a video posted to his social media. “We were close. We tasted it. But I’m not done. I’m coming back — not just to play, but to lead.”
This announcement couldn’t have come at a better time for the Sooners, who are in the midst of a pivotal offseason as they fully transition into the SEC era with sky-high expectations and a need for veteran leadership.
Leadership in a Transitional Era
When Brent Venables returned to Oklahoma to take over the head coaching reins in 2022, he brought with him a reputation as one of college football’s finest defensive minds. But rebuilding the Sooners’ defense into an SEC-caliber unit has taken time. In 2024, Oklahoma made great strides — largely because of players like Kip Lewis — finishing with one of the top defenses in the Big 12 and showing the toughness required to compete in the rugged SEC.
Lewis wasn’t just a playmaker on the field; he was a galvanizing force off it. Teammates rave about his work ethic, football IQ, and ability to motivate others.
“Kip is the heartbeat of this defense,” said defensive coordinator Ted Roof. “He sees things before they happen. He studies like a coach. And he holds everyone accountable. That kind of presence is rare.”
With young talent still developing and several defensive contributors either graduating or heading to the NFL, Lewis’ return provides not only production but continuity and inspiration.
A Program Icon in the Making
Oklahoma has a rich tradition of elite linebackers — from Brian Bosworth and Rocky Calmus to Teddy Lehman and Kenneth Murray. Kip Lewis has a chance to carve out his place in that pantheon.
At 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, Lewis combines speed, agility, and tenacity, making him a nightmare for opposing offenses. His ability to diagnose plays and shoot gaps is already NFL-ready, but his return offers him the chance to fine-tune even further and chase greatness not just statistically, but historically.
“I want my name to be mentioned with the legends,” Lewis said. “But more than that, I want to win with my brothers. That’s what I’ll remember — not the stats, but the rings, the moments, the fight.”
If Lewis continues on his current trajectory and elevates his game even more in 2025, he could go down as one of the greatest linebackers in program history — a title that carries serious weight at Oklahoma.
The Quest for a National Championship
Despite early-season dominance in 2024 and a top-10 ranking for much of the year, Oklahoma faltered down the stretch, narrowly missing out on a College Football Playoff berth. A tough SEC gauntlet exposed some depth issues, and although the Sooners finished with a 10-3 record, it felt like a season of missed opportunity.
Lewis’ return flips the script heading into 2025. With a renewed sense of purpose, the Sooners now have a leader on defense who has both the experience and the motivation to guide the team through its SEC battles. He will likely be the face of the defense — and perhaps the entire team — as Oklahoma tries to return to national prominence.
The Sooners boast one of the most talented recruiting classes in the country, a strong returning offensive core led by quarterback Jackson Arnold, and an aggressive defense built in Venables’ image. Now, with Kip Lewis back in the fold, Oklahoma looks like a legitimate College Football Playoff contender.
The Brent Venables Effect
Brent Venables has been instrumental in Kip Lewis’ development. Known for his linebacker-first approach and cerebral defensive schemes, Venables quickly identified Lewis as a future star when recruiting him out of Carthage, Texas.
Since arriving on campus, Lewis has flourished under Venables’ mentorship. The coach has praised Lewis repeatedly for his dedication and instincts, and Lewis has credited Venables for teaching him how to think and lead like a coach on the field.
“Coach V changed my life,” Lewis said. “He believed in me before I believed in myself. He gave me the tools to grow not just as a player, but as a man.”
Venables’ ability to retain Lewis is also a major win in recruiting and roster retention. In today’s transfer-heavy environment, having a homegrown star return speaks volumes about the culture being built in Norman.
NFL Scouts Watching Closely
Though he passed on the 2025 NFL Draft, Lewis has done nothing to hurt his stock. In fact, most analysts agree that another dominant year — especially in the SEC — could elevate him into the first-round conversation.
His athleticism, intelligence, and versatility make him a fit for multiple NFL systems, and scouts love his tape. The biggest question was whether he’d declare early. Now, with another season to showcase his skills against premier SEC opponents, Lewis could enter the 2026 Draft as one of the top linebackers available.
Fan Reaction and Locker Room Buzz
Unsurprisingly, Sooner Nation has erupted with joy since Lewis’ announcement. Fans flooded social media with messages of support, excitement, and renewed belief in Oklahoma’s championship hopes.
“That’s our captain. That’s our warrior,” one fan wrote on X. “With Kip Lewis leading this defense, we’re going to war in 2025!”
Within the locker room, the reaction has been just as emphatic. Players have praised Lewis not only for his performance but for the courage and loyalty he showed in coming back.
“We all look up to Kip,” said Sooners safety Peyton Bowen. “He didn’t have to come back. But he chose us. He chose Oklahoma. That tells you everything about who he is.”
A Legacy in Motion
Kip Lewis’ decision to return is more than just a roster boost — it’s a defining moment for a program that is still seeking its first national title since 2000. His choice speaks to the values of team over self, of legacy over momentary gain, of vision over comfort.
If 2025 ends with confetti raining down and the Sooners hoisting a trophy, there’s little doubt that Kip Lewis will be at the heart of it — not just as a player, but as a symbol of everything Oklahoma football stands for.
And even if the journey doesn’t end in a championship, Lewis’ legacy is already secure. He’s proven himself to be one of the greats — not just because of what he’s done, but because of who he is and what he represents.
“This is my home,” Lewis said, standing in front of the Owen Field end zone in his video message. “I came here with a dream. I’m not leaving until I finish it.