Brent Venables gives update on Danny Okoye following the win over UTEP
Story by
Brent Venables gives update on Danny Okoye following the win over UTEP
Jaron Spor, Sooners Wire·Sooners Wire
·
2 min read
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
TheOklahoma Soonersopened the season in dominating fashion, defeating the University of Texas at El Paso Miners, 51-0. The defense had a solid performance in the opener, finishing with four sacks and 10 tackles for loss. The Sooners led the nation in those two categories last season.
One of those sacks was from seniorAdepoju Adebawore. In his first start, he had three tackles, one sack and one tackle for loss. Adebawore had been battling withDanny Okoyeall offseason for the starting role. The two had an "or" between their names on the depth chart. But when the Sooners went out for warmups, Okoye was nowhere to be found. He later appeared on the sidelines, in street clothes.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
That had many wondering whether Okoye was injured, or if something else was going on. Head coach Brent Venables spoke about Okoye's status moving forward.
That explanation should ease any immediate concerns surrounding the defensive end. Okoye entered the season with significant expectations after making progress during the offseason. Friday's game may have given Adebawore the first start, but it doesn't necessarily settle the competition going forward. Venables' decision to hold Okoye suggests the coaching staff still views him as an important part of the defensive line rotation.
That's a good problem for Oklahoma to have. Adebawore showed he can make an impact as a starter, while Okoye should return against theMichigan Wolverinesafter missing the opener. The UTEP game was never going to reveal everything about Oklahoma's defense. Michigan will.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
When the Sooners travel to Ann Arbor next week, Venables could have both Adebawore and Okoye available, giving him two athletic edge rushers to deploy against a far more physical opponent. If both continue developing as expected, Oklahoma may not have to choose one winner of the position battle; it could instead have two legitimate contributors as the schedule gets tougher.
Oklahoma tight ends coach Jason Witten during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma’s Bishop Thomas runs a drill during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma’s Michael Fasusi (56), Eddy Pierre-Louis (55) and E'Marion Harris (76) during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma’s Eddy Pierre-Louis (55) and Darius Afalava (74) runs a drill during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma players warm up during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma tight ends coach Jason Witten runs a drill with Jacob Jordan, left, during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma’s Ace Hodges, right, and Gunnar Allen run a drill during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma’s Gunnar Allen (57), Ryan Fodje (70) and Caleb Nitta (60) during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma’s Bishop Thomas runs a drill during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma’s Kenny Ozowalu runs a drill during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) and Jett Niu (15) pass the ball during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma players warm up during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer, right, hands the ball offl to Jonathan Hatton Jr. during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) tosses the ball to Jonathan Hatton Jr. (20) during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma’s Xavier Robinson carries the ball during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma’s DeZephen Walker carries the ball during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) and Jett Niu (15) pass the ball during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) stretches during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
1/20
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners fall camp practice
Oklahoma tight ends coach Jason Witten during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
1/20
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners fall camp practice
Oklahoma tight ends coach Jason Witten during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
2/20
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners fall camp practice
Oklahoma’s Bishop Thomas runs a drill during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
3/20
Oklahoma's Ben Arbuckle embraces the challenge of Kentucky on Saturday
Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
4/20
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners fall camp practice
Oklahoma’s Michael Fasusi (56), Eddy Pierre-Louis (55) and E'Marion Harris (76) during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
5/20
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners fall camp practice
Oklahoma’s Eddy Pierre-Louis (55) and Darius Afalava (74) runs a drill during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
6/20
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners fall camp practice
Oklahoma players warm up during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
7/20
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners fall camp practice
Oklahoma tight ends coach Jason Witten runs a drill with Jacob Jordan, left, during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
8/20
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners fall camp practice
Oklahoma’s Ace Hodges, right, and Gunnar Allen run a drill during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
9/20
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners fall camp practice
Oklahoma’s Gunnar Allen (57), Ryan Fodje (70) and Caleb Nitta (60) during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
10/20
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners fall camp practice
Oklahoma’s Bishop Thomas runs a drill during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
11/20
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners fall camp practice
Oklahoma’s Kenny Ozowalu runs a drill during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
12/20
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners fall camp practice
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
13/20
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners fall camp practice
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) and Jett Niu (15) pass the ball during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
14/20
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners fall camp practice
Oklahoma players warm up during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
15/20
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners fall camp practice
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer, right, hands the ball offl to Jonathan Hatton Jr. during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
16/20
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners fall camp practice
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) tosses the ball to Jonathan Hatton Jr. (20) during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
17/20
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners fall camp practice
Oklahoma’s Xavier Robinson carries the ball during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
18/20
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners fall camp practice
Oklahoma’s DeZephen Walker carries the ball during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
19/20
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners fall camp practice
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) and Jett Niu (15) pass the ball during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
20/20
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners fall camp practice
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) stretches during football practice for the OU Sooners at the stadium practice fields in Norman, Okla., Friday, August 7, 2026.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions.You can also follow Jaron on X @jaronspor.
