After a 50-20 win over Iowa State, Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables announced a big blow for the Sooners. Starting cheetah Justin Harrington , who has been out since the SMU game, will miss the rest of the season with an ACL injury. The senior defensive back was off to a great start to the season, but unfortunately, it's ending too early.
"Justin had ACL surgery yesterday morning," Venables said after the win. "So I hate that for Justin, but he's going to try to get another year. Looks like that will likely take place but that has to go through its process.
"Justin's a great leader, if he stood up here right now in front of a mic, you all would just melt with his perspective and toughness, his love for his teammates. He's a special guy and he'll be a big part of helping us lead and keep encouraging our guys."
Harrington secured the starting spot after an offseason of battling incoming transfer Dasan McCullough. The 6-foot-3 veteran ballhawk was set to transfer after Brent Venables arrived, but worked his way back onto the team as walk-on before earning a scholarship back and becoming a leader in the eyes of Oklahoma's head coach.
Through two games, Harrington recorded six total tackles and an interception, and looked like he was headed for a key role in the Sooners new and improved defense.
As Venables mentioned, the Sooners are hoping to have him back for the 2024-25 season — Oklahoma's first in the SEC.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!