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Report: Oklahoma adding padding to Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium walls after Keontez Lewis injury

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby: Grant Grubbs4 hours agogrant_grubbs_
NCAA Football: Auburn at Oklahoma
Sep 20, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners Sooner Schooner enters the field before the game against the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Oklahoma is adding padding to the walls of Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, per OU Daily. The move is a response to Keontez Lewis‘ injury, which occurred in Oklahoma’s 44-0 win over Kent State on Oct. 4.

In the first quarter of the game, Lewis suffered an injury when he crashed headfirst into the unpadded brick wall behind the end zone. Lewis remained on the ground after the collision with the wall and had to be carted off the field.

Lewis was taken “offsite” to be evaluated further. He played the following week in Oklahoma’s showdown against Texas. However, he didn’t play in the Sooners’ win over South Carolina this past weekend. After Oklahoma’s win over Kent State, Sooners head coach Brent Venables supported the proposal of adding padding to the stadium’s walls.

“We’re evaluating all options when it comes to the safety of our players,” Venables said. “Make things safer without question.”

Specifically, Oklahoma is adding padding behind each end zone, as well as the east and west walls outside of the team benches. Lewis was listed as doubtful on Oklahoma’s Wednesday availability report. Fans will undoubtedly keep an eye on Lewis’ status as Oklahoma edges closer to Saturday.

The Sooners could use his talents on the field this weekend when they square off against a capable Ole Miss defense. Lewis has recorded 19 catches for 226 yards and two touchdowns this season.

He wasn’t quite himself in the Sooners’ loss to Texas, only notching two catches for 16 total yards. With or without Keontez Lewis on Saturday, Brent Venables knows his offense will face a difficult challenge against Ole Miss’ defense.

“They play excellent defense,” Venables said. “Always admired and respected, really don’t know him, but I’ve watched Pete Golding and their staff and the things that they’ve been able to do, and a year ago, they led the country in a whole bunch of categories. But he’s got an excellent defensive pedigree and will have his guys ready to compete.

“… Really excited. Our players are looking forward to learning the new DNA of the new opponent, and all the challenges that this team will present.”

The Sooners are expected to debut their padded walls on Saturday when they host No. 8 Ole Miss in Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The SEC clash will kick off at 11 a.m. CT and the game will air live on ESPN.