Oklahoma Sooners edge battle: Adebawore cites Okoye’s work ethic as catalyst for leadership

The Oklahoma Sooners have commenced their 2026 fall camp, with head coach Brent Venables overseeing a critical positional contest that could define the team’s defensive capabilities for the upcoming season. The primary focus is the EDGE position opposite Taylor Wein, a vacancy created by the departure of R Mason Thomas to the NFL.

The battle for the starting role has narrowed to two players: senior Adepoju Adebawore and redshirt sophomore Danny Okoye. Adebawore, a former five-star recruit, has recorded 27 career tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and five sacks. In a rotational role last season, he posted 17 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks, establishing himself as a formidable run stopper within the SEC.

Okoye, a former four-star recruit known for his athletic profile, saw limited action last year as a redshirt freshman. He recorded six tackles, two tackles for loss, and two sacks. Despite the disparity in playing time, Adebawore has publicly acknowledged the impact Okoye’s intensity has had on his own development.

Speaking after practice, Adebawore told OU Insider that Okoye’s drive has challenged him to assume a greater leadership role. He noted that observing the younger player’s work ethic makes him want to be an example for the team, pushing him to elevate his own performance standards daily.

Venables is not seeking a single player to replicate Thomas’s production but rather a consistent pressure rotation. If Adebawore maintains his momentum and Okoye achieves the expected sophomore leap, the Sooners could field another deep and disruptive edge group. This depth is vital for a defence that led the nation in sacks and tackles for loss last season, aiming to sustain a championship-calibre unit.