Oklahoma OL Febechi Nwaiwu Wins Shrine Bowl Pat Tillman Award

Nwaiwu is one of four Sooners participating in the East-West Shrine Bowl

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:55am

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Oklahoma offensive lineman Febechi Nwaiwu was named the recipient of the East-West Shrine Bowl Pat Tillman Award, which recognizes intelligence, sportsmanship and service. Nwaiwu, a former walk-on, has been a staple on the interior of the Sooners' offensive line the last two seasons.

Why it matters

The Shrine Bowl is an important all-star game that showcases top college football talent ahead of the NFL Draft. Nwaiwu's award recognizes his character and leadership, which are highly valued traits for professional teams.

The details

Nwaiwu started his career as a walk-on at North Texas before transferring to Oklahoma, where he started every game the last two seasons, primarily at right guard. He was forced to shift to center for the final two games last season after an injury to Jake Maikkula. Nwaiwu earned second-team All-SEC honors and was a Burlsworth Trophy finalist, which honors the top college player who began his career as a walk-on.

  • The Shrine Bowl will be played at 6 p.m. Tuesday at The Star in Frisco, Texas.
  • Nwaiwu is one of four Sooners participating in the game.

The players

Febechi Nwaiwu

An offensive lineman for the University of Oklahoma who was named the recipient of the East-West Shrine Bowl Pat Tillman Award, which recognizes intelligence, sportsmanship and service.

Lunda Wells

The Dallas Cowboys tight ends coach and coach of the West team in the East-West Shrine Bowl.

Pat Tillman

A former NFL player who played in the 1998 East-West Shrine Bowl before enlisting in the Army after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He died in Afghanistan in a friendly fire incident in 2004 and was posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal.

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What they’re saying

“'Febechi embodies everything this honor stands for and its connection to an incredible philanthropic cause such as Shriner's Children's. He approaches the game the right way, leads by example, and earns respect through his work ethic and humility. He is truly deserving of this recognition.'”

— Lunda Wells, Dallas Cowboys tight ends coach and coach of the West team

What’s next

The East-West Shrine Bowl will be played on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 6 p.m. Central Time.

The takeaway

Febechi Nwaiwu's award highlights the importance of character and leadership in football, as the Shrine Bowl honors players who embody those qualities in addition to their on-field talent. Nwaiwu's journey from walk-on to standout offensive lineman at Oklahoma also demonstrates the value of perseverance and hard work.