Who does ESPN think is OU's breakout player in 2026?

"A second-team All-SEC selection last fall, Wein still might not be the first face you think of within a defensive core that returns veterans like Peyton Bowen, Jayden Jackson and Kip Lewis. But the redshirt junior is no secret around Norman after his breakout campaign on one of the nation's top defenses a year ago. Wein not only led the Sooners in TFLs (15), sacks (seven) and pressures (35), but he stepped up when it mattered most in 2025, surging after Oklahoma lost star pass rusher R Mason Thomas to injury and starring in the program's road win at Alabama in November. With Thomas off to the NFL, Wein has every opportunity to make another star turn this fall." - Eli Lederman, ESPN.

Oklahoma's defensive front was the strength of the entire team last season, but a lot of veteran production and leadership were lost to the NFL. In fact, the Sooners are still trying to identify who the starter at DE opposite Wein will be, a battle that will likely rage through fall camp.

However, Wein's presence, and ability to excel against both the run and the pass will provide a big boost for Oklahoma this fall. In the last calendar year, he's gone from afterthought by outside observers to focal point within the Switzer Center, as he certainly made the Year 3 jump that it's become commonplace to see a number of defensive players make under Venables and his staff. Additionally, Wein has two years of eligibility remaining. Should he choose to use them both, he's just getting started harassing opposing quarterbacks in the SEC.

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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Who is Oklahoma's under-the-radar player in 2026, according to ESPN?