Kirk Herbstreit Identifies Top College Football Defense

The 2025 college football regular season is reaching its conclusion, bringing unexpected developments across the sport. Among the seasons biggest surprises are the No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners, who hold a 9-2 record. Despite one of the most challenging schedules in college football, the Sooners are in position for their first College Football Playoff berth since 2019. ESPN's Football Power Index ranks Oklahoma fifth in strength of schedule, a notable improvement following a 6-7 campaign last year.

On ESPN's "Nonstop" podcast, analyst Kirk Herbstreit discussed Oklahomas recent 17-6 win over the then-No. 22 Missouri Tigers, emphasizing the decisive impact of the Sooners defense.

Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) tackles Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) for a safety. BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

"Oklahoma faced a challenging matchup," Herbstreit noted. "An early 11 a.m. game against another ranked opponent. Could they pull it off? Their offense isnt dominant right now, but their defense is arguably the best in the nation. They executed when it mattered."

The Sooners defensive statistics back up Herbstreits assessment. Oklahoma ranks No. 11 in total defense, No. 40 in passing yards allowed, and No. 3 in rushing yards allowed. The team also ranks No. 6 in scoring defense, leads the nation in tackles for loss and team sacks, and sits at No. 4 in defensive efficiency.

With just one week remaining in the regular season, Oklahomas defense could determine how far this surprising run continues. Whether it results in a playoff breakthrough or another unexpected twist, the Sooners enter the final games with all possibilities still open.

Oklahoma is set to face the LSU Tigers (7-4) at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday on ABC, with a potential College Football Playoff spot on the line.

Author's Opinion: The Sooners' Strong Defense as the Key to Their Success

The 2025 college football season has been full of surprises, and among the most impressive is the performance of the No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners. With a 9-2 record, they’ve defied expectations, particularly after a rough 6-7 season the year before. Their strong defensive performance has been a major factor in this turnaround, with Oklahoma ranked highly in several key defensive categories.

Despite not having a dominant offense, as pointed out by Kirk Herbstreit, Oklahoma’s defense has carried them this season. The team ranks among the best in the nation for total defense, rushing yards allowed, and scoring defense. As they head into their final regular season game against LSU, it's clear that their defensive strength will play a pivotal role in any potential College Football Playoff berth. The Sooners' ability to execute under pressure, as shown in their recent win over Missouri, proves they can rise to the challenge.

With a spot in the playoffs on the line, this could be a defining moment for Oklahoma. While the offense has room for improvement, their defense gives them a real shot at making a deep playoff run. The stakes are high, and the outcome will likely depend on how well their defense can handle LSU's attack. As the regular season concludes, it’s evident that the Sooners' fate rests on their remarkable defensive unit.

Sources:

• Kirk Herbstreit Names Best Defense in College Football