The Oklahoma Sooners had just two players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, breaking a 22-year streak of having at least three players chosen. Linebacker Danny Stutsman was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round with the 112th overall pick, and defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round with the 118th overall pick.
But Stutsman and Bowman aren’t the only former OU players who found their pro football homes this weekend. Defensive lineman Ethan Downs, another one of Oklahoma’s veteran leaders, signed as an undrafted free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Three other former Sooners also signed UDFA contracts on Saturday. Offensive lineman Michael Tarquin has signed with the Carolina Panthers, defensive lineman Da’Jon Terry has signed with the Los Angeles Rams, and defensive lineman Trace Ford has signed with the New York Giants.
Tarquin spent just one season in Norman after transferring in from USC. He dealt with injuries during his time as a Sooner, but he provided veteran leadership on a young offensive line in 2024, and was one of the better offensive tackles OU had when he was healthy.
Terry played for Oklahoma for two seasons, arriving by way of Tennessee. He was a big part of OU’s defensive tackle rotation, especially in 2024. He’s an adept run-stopper and had five tackles for loss and a fumble recovery last year.
Ford is a fellow transfer, playing in Norman for two seasons after coming down south from Stillwater and Oklahoma State. He showed promise as a pass-rusher off the edge for the Sooners and had an outstanding pro day earlier this offseason.
There’s still time for more former Sooners to join Downs, Tarquin, Terry, and Ford in the UDFA class. After all, former NFL stars like Kurt Warner, Warren Moon, Antonio Gates, James Harriso,n and Wes Welker started their careers as undrafted free agents.