Freshman Phenoms: Oklahoma DL Trent Wilson is 'Hungry' to Achieve Ambitious Goals

Leading up to the 2025 season, Sooners on SI counts down five true freshmen who could make an impact for Oklahoma in the fall. Today, we take a look at the path to playing time for defensive tackle Trent Wilson.

Cracking Todd Bates’ defensive line rotation as an underclassman could be tough this year, but it’s not impossible. 

Last year, true freshman Jayden Jackson earned 10 starts despite the Sooners having more experienced players on hand. 

And while Jackson returns, alongside Gracen Halton and Damonic Williams, freshman Trent Wilson hopes to follow in Jackson’s footsteps. 

The 6-foot-3 defensive tackle weighed in at 294 pounds ahead of spring football, and the Washington D.C., product was all business from the moment he arrived on campus in Norman. 

“My goal is to get (be named a) Freshman All-American, and my goal is to be a better version of myself,” Wilson said. “… Just to reach my full potential.”

Even with Williams, Jackson and Halton locking down three big spots in the rotation, Wilson will have to battle other experienced returners. 

Former 5-star recruit David Stone is looking to break out during his sophomore year, and Markus Strong has an extra year under his belt studying Brent Venables’ defense, but during spring practice, Stone said Wilson is doing everything possible to earn the coaching staff’s trust. 

“He's hungry, man. He doesn't look like a young guy… He looks grown,” Stone said. “The way he plays, he's strong. Seeing him work hard, it makes me feel proud because I'm able to put my arm around him — when he came around during the bowl game, I was out there coaching him. I was telling him everything to do. 

“Now, I don't have to tell him anything. He knows what to do. He's putting the extra work in off the field. You can definitely see it.”