Sooners Starting Wide Receiver Farooq Arrested in Norman, Expected to Play

STILLWATER – Oklahoma starting wide receiver Jalil Farooq created an unwanted distraction heading into Bedlam when he was arrested Thursday night in Norman. University of Oklahoma football staff and athletic administration were aware of the traffic stop and subsequent detainment of Farooq and issued a brief statement.

“We are aware of the matter and it is being addressed internally,” an OU spokesman told multiple media sources.

Make no mistake, Farooq will play in the Bedlam game on Saturday, likely start the game on offense.

Topeka Capitol-Journal/USA TODAY Sports

Farooq last week vs. Kansas.

Fox 25 News first reported on X (Twitter) on Friday that Farooq was arrested around 9 p.m. Thursday after a traffic stop. Farooq’s vehicle had an expired paper tag, and officers noted in the police report that Farooq was “driving erratically.”

Jalil Farooq is a junior that leads the Sooner with 449 receiving yards and is third with 26 receptions to go along with two touchdown catches. The Oklahoma receiving corps has been hurt by the injury to Andrel Anthony, at the time the leading receiver was lost for the season in the Texas win. Farooq, a former high school running back also has 64 rushing yards on 14 attempts and leads the Sooners with 291 yards on 13 kickoff returns. His 22.4-ypr average is sixth in the Big 12 in that category.