Taylor Wein arrived in Norman as a late‑season signing, a player who entered the Oklahoma Sooners roster with modest expectations and a modest paycheck.
After redshirting his first year and contributing on special teams, Wein broke out in his third season, earning All‑SEC honors and starting each of the final six games, where he logged 39 tackles, including a team‑leading 15 for loss and seven sacks.
His performance earned him a spot at SEC Media Days alongside quarterback John Mateer and offensive lineman Eddy Pierre‑Louis, and he left Florida Gulf Coast with a preseason All‑SEC Second Team nod.
A Mentor in the Making
Wein now pours his experience into his teammates, helping them develop while maintaining the same underdog mentality that propelled him forward.
He sees a similar breakout year for PJ Adebawore, who has yet to fully realize his potential, and he is determined to show the younger players how to seize opportunities when they arise.
Wein’s journey has been marked by moments of adversity, such as stepping in when Thomas was disqualified for the first half of the Auburn game and when he tore his quad against Tennessee, but each setback only reinforced his resolve.
Now focused on mentoring and improving his own weaknesses, Wein remains committed to the Sooners’ success, embodying the grit that defined his rise from a peripheral prospect to a leader on the defensive line.