Brent Venables addresses Danny Stutsman's status for Armed Forces Bowl

Throughout the 2024 season, Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables has relied upon Danny Stutsman as the leader of his defense. Now, with Stutsman penning a goodbye note to the program, there are questions about whether or not he’ll be playing in the Armed Forces Bowl.

When Venables was asked about Stutsman’s status for the bowl game, he explained that it wasn’t for him to say and took the time to praise his NFL bound linebacker.

“I’ll say that’s not really for me to say whether or not he’s gonna play,” Brent Venables said. “But how about him being an All-American? Really cool. First-team All-SEC in his first year. Really proud and thankful for all the seniors, but certainly the growth and maturity that has taken place with Danny.”

Venables went on to explain that Stutsman has been particularly important as it relates to having an impact on the Sooners program and specifically the defense since he got there.

“Having a guy that has a legacy somewhere I think comes from making the place better than when you got there. If he’s done something, he’s done that. He’s left his mark. Certainly, he’s done that to the whole locker room and the university, but he’s done that on defense from where we were on defense to where we are today, man. Two different hemispheres. His dedication, his persistence, his passion, his love, his commitment, his body of work,” Venables said.

“Along with several other seniors. Woodi Washington, Ethan Downs, Billy Bowman, that group of guys in particular, man, they have just been fantastic.”

Danny Stutsman pens goodbye note to Oklahoma football

With the 2024 regular season in the books, Danny Stutsman shared his goodbye to Oklahoma football and announced that he is going to be entering the 2025 NFL Draft.

“I have been blessed to spend the past four years in Norman surounded by the best fans in the country, coaches who are family and, and teammates who have become lifelong friends. I am appreciative of Coach Odom for giving me the ititial opportunity to play for this prestigious program,” Stutsman wrote.

“I am forever indebted to Coach Venables and his staff for their development of the player and man who I am today. Most importantly, I am thankful for my Mom and Dad and their unwavering support of me through all of the highs and lows of my collegiate career — and for alway being my biggest fans The University of Oklahoma is my home, and the support from Sooner Nation has been unbelievable. For that, I am forever grateful.”

Oklahoma will take on Navy in the Armed Forces Bowl on Friday, December 27th.