OU Football Defensive End PJ Adebawore Had Offseason Foot Surgery

Sooners coach Brent Venables announced the injury update on Monday.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Oklahoma defensive end PJ Adebawore underwent offseason foot surgery, head coach Brent Venables announced on Monday. Adebawore, a former five-star recruit, is coming off his best season with the Sooners in 2025, when he recorded 17 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and one quarterback hurry.

Why it matters

Adebawore is expected to compete for a starting spot on the Sooners' defensive line in 2026, so his recovery from the foot surgery will be crucial for the team's defensive plans. The injury update provides insight into the team's offseason preparations and the health status of one of its key defensive players.

The details

Venables said Adebawore's surgery was due to "wear and tear" from the previous season. The North Kansas City High School product has appeared in 36 games for OU over the past three seasons, totaling 27 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and five sacks. Adebawore briefly entered the NCAA transfer portal in January before withdrawing and deciding to stay at Oklahoma.

  • Adebawore underwent the offseason foot surgery prior to the 2026 season.
  • Adebawore entered the NCAA transfer portal on January 12, 2026, but withdrew his name roughly two minutes later.

The players

PJ Adebawore

A defensive end for the Oklahoma Sooners football team, Adebawore is a former five-star recruit who is expected to compete for a starting spot on the defensive line in 2026.

Brent Venables

The head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners football team, Venables announced Adebawore's offseason foot surgery.

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What they’re saying

“He had to have offseason foot surgery from last year, wear and tear.”

— Brent Venables, Head Coach (oklahoman.com)

What’s next

Adebawore's recovery from the foot surgery will be closely monitored as he prepares to compete for a starting role on the Sooners' defensive line in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

This injury update highlights the physical toll of college football and the importance of offseason recovery for key players like Adebawore. The Sooners will need Adebawore at full strength to bolster their defensive line in the upcoming season.