Obi Ezeigbo Proved Against Arkansas He Belongs at This Level

STILLWATER – It took everything Oklahoma State had, and then some, to get past Arkansas this past Saturday. Several known players stepped up in big ways, from Nick Martin to Brennan Presley and Ollie Gordon II, to some relatively unknown players, like long snapper Shea Freibaum, who recovered a muffed punt, leading to a field goal.

One player who stepped up in the big way was defensive end, Obi Ezegibo, the transfer from DII Gannon.

Ezeigbo filled in full-time for the injured Collin Oliver, who left the game in the first half with a lower leg injury and will most likely miss significant time this season. 

Bruce Waterfield/OSU Athletics

Obi Ezeigbo (33) rushing the edge

“I really just wanted to make sure I made the most of it,” Ezeigbo said on Monday during the player availability. “I took it one snap at a time. I wanted to make sure that I get the call, do my responsibilities. Basically, treat it like practice. If I'm doing everything I'm supposed to do, fast paced, physical at practice, then it's really no different in the game. If anything, the game should be easier. So, I just took it one play at a time and try to let the pieces fall where it lies.”

And make the most of it he did. Ezegibo recorded nine total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and one quarterback hurry. 

Those numbers led to him being named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week.

Pat Kinnison - Chief Photographer

While he transferred from Division 2, and Gundy joked on Monday about him being an affordable player out of the portal, it’s the Cowboys who are seemingly getting the last laugh as Ezeigbo stole the show late. 

“I was always really the guy to stay after practice and get extra work or on the weekends when we don't have practice or just not really doing anything. I always want to come back to the field and try to work on something… I feel like the more I could harp on that, like my tendencies that I do every day on a snap basis, the more I can make that second nature, then the better off I'll be. So, I was always really excited to get extra work.”

His hard work has certainly paid off in leading to significant playing time and proving that he belongs at this level of college football.