Adepoju Adebawore Stays Put With Oklahoma After Brief Transfer Portal Flirtation

In the high-stakes world of college football, where the transfer portal can reshape rosters overnight, the Oklahoma Sooners experienced a momentary heart-stopping drama on Monday, January 12, 2026.

Defensive end Adepoju "P.J." Adebawore, a former five-star recruit and key rotational player, entered the NCAA transfer portal—only to withdraw his name a mere two minutes later.

This rapid reversal sent shockwaves through Sooner Nation but ultimately reinforced the program's stability heading into the 2026 season.

Born around 2005 in Kansas City, Missouri, to Nigerian parents, Adebawore initially excelled on the basketball court before transitioning to football in high school.

At North Kansas City High School, he quickly made a name for himself, racking up impressive stats as a junior: 51 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks, earning him Missouri Football Coaches Association Class 5 First-Team All-State honors.

His athleticism—standing at 6-foot-4 and 261 pounds, with a 7-foot wingspan and explosive speed (a 4.74-second 40-yard dash)—caught the eye of national recruiters.

As a consensus top-10 prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, Adebawore was ranked No. 9 overall by 247Sports and became the highest-rated signee for the Sooners that year.

He chose Oklahoma over powerhouse programs, drawn to the opportunity to develop under head coach Brent Venables' defensive scheme.

That class, which finished in the top 10 nationally, included notable talents like quarterback Jackson Arnold, safety Peyton Bowen, and edge rusher Taylor Wein.

However, attrition has whittled it down; Adebawore is now one of just six remaining players from that group.

On the field, Adebawore has shown flashes of the elite potential that made him a blue-chip recruit. Over three seasons with the Sooners, he has accumulated 17 total tackles, 5.0 sacks, and 4.5 tackles for loss in 23 games, primarily as a rotational edge rusher.

In the 2025 season alone, he notched 17 tackles, demonstrating growing consistency despite limited starting opportunities.

His twitched-up athleticism and ability to change direction make him a nightmare for offensive linemen, and coaches have long expected a breakout year.

Oklahoma's defensive coordinator has praised his development, noting his added strength and readiness to shine in a larger role.

The portal incident unfolded amid ongoing negotiations for a new NIL deal for his senior season in 2026.

Over the weekend, reports surfaced that there was "some concern" Adebawore might depart, as the Sooners worked to secure his future with the program.

According to George Stoia of SoonerScoop.com, discussions had been underway, reflecting the modern realities of college athletics where financial packages often dictate loyalty.

Pete Nakos of On3 reported that, following the brief entry, Adebawore is now expected to remain in Norman for his final year of eligibility.

Sources indicate this quick withdrawal signals the Sooners' staff successfully retaining him despite interest from other major programs.

This retention is a significant win for Oklahoma, especially as the program navigates the winter transfer window, which closes on January 16, 2026.

The Sooners have been active in the portal, adding talents like defensive lineman Kenny Ozowalu from UTSA to bolster their front.

With returning players like Jayden Jackson, David Stone, and Taylor Wein, the defensive line remains a strength.

Adebawore's presence adds depth and experience, positioning him to compete for a starting spot off the edge.

Looking ahead, the 2026 season holds promise for the Sooners under Venables. After a solid 2025 campaign that saw them reach the College Football Playoff first round (though falling to Alabama 34-24), retaining homegrown talent like Adebawore is crucial in the competitive SEC landscape.

His story underscores the volatility of the transfer era but also the value of strong program relationships.

As one of the last remnants of that star-studded 2023 class, Adebawore is being reminded that sometimes the best moves are the ones that keep you right where they are.

Fans can breathe easy knowing their defensive dynamo isn't going anywhere—yet.