Kentucky at Oklahoma: Defensive x-factors

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Kentucky at Oklahoma: Defensive x-factors

Braxton Howard, UK Wildcats Wire · Wildcats Wire

Thu, Oct 15, 2026 ·

2 min read

ED Sam Greene

Sam Greene has made plays all season for Kentucky, especially in critical moments. He has to continue creating havoc off the edge. Greene will be matched up against offensive tackles from Oklahoma that have not played well this season. I expect a great performance from Sam Greene, Mi'Quise Humphrey-Grace and the other edge defenders.

DT Tavion Gadson

Tavion Gadson has proven to be on of the best defensive tackles in the SEC, he is extremely difficult for interior offensive linemen to handle. Like we mentioned, this Oklahoma offensive line has struggled and this can be a game where Kentucky overwhelms them up front. Gadson has an incredible combination of power, speed and length to rush the passer inside. Oklahoma could get some help as Michael Fasusi is listed as questionable, he has yet to make his debut this season as he has dealt with an injury.

DT Jamarrion Harkless

Jamarrion Harkless was unbelievable against LSU, easily his best game in a Kentucky uniform. Will Harkless be able to build off of that? This is a game where Harkless can dominate by clogging up the middle and shutting down the Sooners run game. Maybe Harkless can get that bull rush going like we saw late against LSU, as he pushed a left guard directly into Sam Leavitt to force the fumble.

DT David Stone

Speaking of dangerous defensive lineman, David Stone is one of the best in the country and there is a reason he is getting a ton of NFL Draft buzz. Stone has a sack and two tackles for loss on the season, but he just impacts the game in so many ways. He can consistently get push in the middle of the pocket and create disruption. Center Coleton Price, left guard Olaus Alinen and right guard Tegra Tshabola will have their hands full with Stone on Saturday.

LB Kip Lewis

Kip Lewis dealt with an injury this season but he is back to full strength now and he is a difference maker. He can fly around sideline-to-sideline and Venables will blitz him from depth. Lewis was incredible last season and is trying to build off that success this season. He can make plays at every level of the field and the offense will need to know where he is on every snap.