Oklahoma's Danny Okoye Will Donate Money to 9/11 Foundation Based on 2026 CFB Season Performance

Oklahoma defensive lineman Danny Okoye is going to have a tab on his 2026 performance for a good cause.

Okoye told The Athletic's Ira Gorawara he plans to donate money to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation that was established in the aftermath of Sept. 11.

Gorawara noted Okoye's donations will be broken down into three categories with $100 for every tackle he records, $200 for every sack and $500 for every interception.

"You can say that you care about this, care about that, but what are you actually doing to support it?" Okoye said. "Hopefully, I can put my gifts to use in a way that doesn't just make my name popular or provide accolades — but actually gives back to something I feel is important."

Larry Olson, executive vice president of Tunnel to Towers, told Gorawara this was "all" Okoye's idea and it marks "the first time that that ever has happened" with a college student-athlete.

According to Gorawara, Okoye's father serves as chaplain to police and fire fighters around Owasso, Oklahoma; one of his uncles is the fire chief in the city; and another works as a police officer.

Tunnels to Towers was established in 2001 by the family of Stephen Siller. He was off-duty when the Twin Towers were attacked and responded to the scene by going back to the scene and putting on his gear to help save anyone in the wreckage when he died.

Okoye, who is entering his redshirt sophomore season, appeared in 11 games for the Sooners in 2025. He recorded six combined tackles, two tackles for loss and two sacks.

Oklahoma will open the 2026 season on Friday against UTEP.