Oklahoma Just Added A Proven Lineman With One Big Catch

Court ruling paves the way for former Boise State star Braxton Fely to bring his defensive prowess to Oklahoma's gridiron.

Oklahoma has landed former Boise State defensive lineman Braxton Fely for the 2026 season, and the move surfaced through a court filing in Cleveland County.

Judge Jeff Virgin granted Fely a temporary restraining order against the NCAA on Sept. 1, giving him temporary protection to compete while his eligibility lawsuit moves forward. That ruling does not settle the case for good, but for now it opens the door for Fely to join the Sooners.

In a sworn declaration, Fely said he had scholarship and NIL offers from several Division I programs, Oklahoma included. He also made clear where he intended to be if he was allowed to play.

"If permitted to compete in NCAA Division I competition this fall, I would plan to attend the University of Oklahoma," Fely said in the filing.

His motion said Oklahoma had a roster spot, scholarship and NIL compensation available for him. It also asked the court to block the NCAA from keeping him from practicing or playing for the Sooners.

The NCAA can still fight the case and try to get the temporary protection lifted. But at the moment, the TRO gives Fely a path to Oklahoma.

Fely arrives with a strong Boise State résumé. He spent four seasons there, played in 56 games and made 40 starts. The 6-foot-1, 296-pound lineman earned Second Team All-Mountain West honors in each of the last two seasons, and in 2025 he posted 24 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.

After going undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, Fely took part in rookie minicamps, though he said he never signed an NFL contract or joined an NFL roster.

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