Crimson Countdown: No. 40 Ethan Downs

The Crimson Countdown is officially on for the 2024 Oklahoma football season. Fans have been waiting for what feels like forever with this one. The Sooners are finally and officially joining the SEC.

The 2023 season was a rebound one for head coach Brent Venables, getting the program back to its standard. OU went 10-3 in Venables’ second season, now it’s time for year No. 3.

Every day as we get closer to kickoff, SoonerScoop.com will count down the days with you. Starting with No. 99 and working our way to No. 0, we’ll be there every step of the way.

Crimson Countdown: No. 40 Ethan Downs

2023 stats: Played all 13 games, started 12. Had 29 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, INT.

2024 outlook:

An unquestioned leader for the OU defense, what’s next for Downs? Linebacker Danny Stutsman said Downs is the most selfless player on the team at SEC Media Days earlier this week.

But maybe it’s time for Downs to be a little selfish. This has to be the season where he breaks out on the field. He has been the man running the defensive end room. But it’s time to put up the numbers to show what else he can do.

Nobody really knew what would happen with Downs when he arrived in 2021. He has gone above and beyond initial expectations. Now? Time to go out with a bang as OU heads to the SEC. And time to get more than 4.5 sacks like he’s done the last two seasons.

2024 defensive end outlook

OU has a good mix of experience and talent at the defensive end position in 2024. The old guys for the Sooners are Ethan Downs, Trace Ford and Miami Ohio transfer Caiden Woullard. Downs is the unquestioned leader of the group, entering his fourth and final season for OU. But OU does have a host of young guys looking to contribute and possibly start. R Mason Thomas and PJ Adebawore both feel like players who could have breakout seasons in Norman. And freshmen Nigel Smith and Danny Okoye are hoping to find some sort role in 2024.