Dusty Dvoracek believes Taylor Wein could be in SEC DPOY conversations

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The Oklahoma Sooners took a major step forward in 2025, returning to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2019. A dominant defense was the driving force behind Oklahoma's breakthrough season in the SEC.

Oklahoma ranked in the top 10 in the country in several major categories, including total defense and defensive efficiency. EDGE Taylor Wein played a major role in the Sooners' defensive success. He broke through in his third season in Norman, totaling 39 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and seven sacks with one interception. His emergence gave Oklahoma the impact pass rusher it needed after longtime standout Ethan Downs departed for the NFL.

After Wein's breakout campaign, ESPN analyst and former Oklahoma standout defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek believes an even bigger season could be ahead.

"I think he has a chance, especially if his sack total and tackle for loss total can continue to climb from where it was a year ago," Dvoracek said on KREF in Norman's "The Plank Show." "He's going to have to be in the conversation for SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Especially some of the stages he's going to have this upcoming season."

Wein has already established himself as one of Oklahoma's defensive leaders, but another productive season could elevate himself into the national spotlight. With the Sooners expected to contend in the SEC and face several marquee opponents, he'll have plenty of opportunities to make his case as one of the country's top defenders.

If his production continues to climb while Oklahoma's defense remains among the nation's best, Dvoracek's prediction could become a reality by season's end.

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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Dusty Dvoracek believes Taylor Wein could be in SEC DPOY conversations

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