Former Oklahoma linebacker Teddy Lehman didn't have any hesitation about who will be the Sooners' best player during the upcoming 2026 college football season.
During "The Oklahoma Breakdown" podcast, Lehman, alongside co-host Gabe Ikard, responded to a question from a listener of who will be the best player for the team, and Lehman immediately stated his answer as redshirt junior defensive end Taylor Wein.
Teddy Lehman sets high expectations for Taylor Wein in 2026
"He brings you all kinds of stuff," Lehman said. "He's stepped into one of the roles of that guy on defense, you know. He's kind of the leader of the group. Everyone's kind of looking to him for to set the pace of the football team.
"We know what we're gonna get from him -- high energy, high effort, physicality, excellent against the run, super technically sound, pass rush, he's got a knack for finding the football and making those big plays. I'll go with Taylor Wein."
Question from @StarLordLegoGod: Who’ll be the best player for the team?@TedLehman11's answer: pic.twitter.com/WBBFMbvdCU
— The Oklahoma Breakdown with Ikard and Lehman (@OK_Breakdown) April 14, 2026
Wein made himself known among Sooner Nation last season, but he could be poised for an even bigger breakout in 2026. Last season, Wein led the Sooners with 15 tackles for loss and seven sacks, plus had 39 total tackles, two pass breakups, an interception and a forced fumble. Conference coaches voted him All-SEC Second-Team after the season.
That was remarkable improvement from 2024, when he had only two tackles in limited minutes primarily on special teams. If Wein takes a jump even close to that from 2025 to 2026, then Lehman's prediction would certainly come true.
The Sooners were absolutely loaded on the edge last season as Wein was sometimes overshadowed, especially with 2026 NFL Draft prospect R Mason Thomas. Wein might have logged more sacks than Thomas, but Thomas played in three less games because of a hamstring injury.
Those three games without Thomas in 2025, though, were a preview of what could be expected from Wein this season. In their first game without Thomas, the Sooners went into Tuscaloosa and took down Alabama 23-21 as Wein sacked Ty Simpson and also had a TFL. He then posted two tackles for loss and 1.5 sack the next week against Missouri.
Wein will have more opportunity than ever before in 2026, so Lehman's prediction isn't that bold considering.
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