Jacob Henry, the son of powerlifting and professional wrestling icon Mark Henry, has been all ears since joining the Oklahoma Sooners football program as a walk-on defensive lineman. With a last name that carries immense weight—both literally and figuratively—Jacob’s path is anything but ordinary. From an early age, he has lived in the shadow of greatness. His father, Mark Henry, is a former Olympian, world champion powerlifter, and WWE Hall of Famer, known globally for his superhuman strength. But Jacob, rather than trying to mimic or outshine that legacy, is crafting a narrative of his own—one that blends humility, hard work, and a relentless drive to prove he belongs at the highest level of college football.
Joining a program like Oklahoma is no small feat, even as a walk-on. The Sooners have long been a national powerhouse in college football, a team built on tradition, high expectations, and elite competition. For Jacob Henry, the challenge of earning a roster spot on such a storied team is as formidable as any deadlift his father ever attempted, but it’s a challenge he welcomes with open arms. He didn’t arrive in Norman looking for shortcuts or favor due to his famous last name. Instead, he came with the mindset of a grinder—a blue-collar work ethic deeply instilled in him since childhood.
At 6-foot-1 and hovering around 285 pounds, Jacob Henry fits the mold of a stout, run-stuffing defensive tackle. While not a towering presence by major college football standards, he compensates for any perceived physical limitations with a motor that never quits and strength that, unsurprisingly, is far above average. Growing up with a father who was once dubbed the “World’s Strongest Man,” Jacob has been immersed in physical training and strength culture for as long as he can remember. However, football was always his primary focus. Whereas his father made a name for himself in the weight room and the wrestling ring, Jacob found his sanctuary on the gridiron.
Coming out of high school, Jacob Henry was not a highly recruited player, which in today’s recruiting-obsessed environment can often be interpreted as a lack of potential. But that would be a mistake in his case. Like many walk-ons who later earn scholarships and become team leaders, Jacob’s story isn’t defined by stars or rankings. It’s about effort, attitude, and adaptability. His decision to walk on at Oklahoma speaks volumes about his confidence in his own abilities and his willingness to compete with the best.
Since joining the Sooners, Jacob has impressed coaches and teammates with his attitude and approach. He’s been described as coachable, intense, and team-oriented—traits that every successful college program needs more of. Though he isn’t currently a starter and might not see significant playing time right away, his role on the scout team and during practices is crucial. It’s these behind-the-scenes efforts—often unseen by fans—that form the backbone of any great football program. Jacob’s understanding of this dynamic has made him a favorite among strength coaches and position coaches alike, who admire his consistency and toughness.
One of the key things that set Jacob apart is his understanding of discipline and preparation. Growing up in a household where strength, discipline, and competition were daily themes, Jacob absorbed valuable life lessons. Mark Henry didn’t just pass down genetics; he passed down a mindset. The elder Henry has spoken in interviews about how he never pushed his son into weightlifting or wrestling, despite Jacob showing interest in both. Instead, he encouraged Jacob to pursue his passion—football—and to work as hard at it as he could. That support, balanced with the weight of expectations that inevitably comes from being the son of a legend, has shaped Jacob’s approach to his career.
Jacob has also benefited from the changing culture around college football. The modern emphasis on strength and conditioning, mental health, and individualized coaching has created more opportunities for players like him to thrive. With Oklahoma’s elite strength staff and resources, Jacob has been able to fine-tune his body for Division I competition. Whether it’s nutrition, recovery, or position-specific drills, he has embraced every part of the process. His powerlifting background gives him an edge in the weight room, where his numbers are reportedly among the best on the team, particularly in lifts like the squat and bench press.
Yet, Jacob Henry’s presence on the team isn’t just about muscle or pedigree. It’s about character. Teammates describe him as a motivator, a guy who brings energy and perspective to the locker room. For a football team that has recently been through ups and downs—particularly the disappointing 2024 season—players like Jacob are invaluable. They may not always lead statistically, but they lead by example. Whether it’s staying after practice to do extra reps or helping a younger player study film, Jacob has embraced the responsibilities that come with being part of a team culture.
As the Sooners look to bounce back in 2025 and prepare for their full transition into the Southeastern Conference (SEC), competition across the board is heating up. Every roster spot, every snap in practice, and every workout session takes on added meaning. In this environment, walk-ons like Jacob Henry are not just background players—they’re part of the foundation. Coaches love to cite stories of former walk-ons who became starters, captains, or even NFL players. Jacob’s journey may be in its early stages, but he has all the tools—mental, physical, and emotional—to write a compelling chapter of his own.
What’s particularly interesting about Jacob’s rise is how he seems determined to make a name for himself independent of his father’s shadow, yet never shies away from honoring the legacy that came before him. He’s spoken in interviews about how much respect he has for his dad, but also about how different their paths are. Football, with its unique demands and culture, has given Jacob a space where he can be known not as “Mark Henry’s son” but as “Jacob Henry the football player.” That distinction is important—not just for the outside world, but for his own identity.
The road ahead for Jacob Henry at Oklahoma will not be easy. He will need to continue to prove himself every single day—on the field, in the weight room, and in the film room. But if his past is any indication, he’s more than ready. He’s already battled through the challenge of being an under-recruited player, the pressure of carrying a famous name, and the daily grind that comes with being a walk-on in one of the most competitive football environments in the country.
There’s also the possibility that Jacob’s impact on the team will extend beyond his playing days. With his natural leadership qualities and love for the game, he could very well transition into coaching or training after his playing career ends. It’s not hard to imagine him following in his father’s footsteps in a different way—helping younger athletes develop their bodies and minds for competition, just as he has been doing for himself at Oklahoma.
For now, though, Jacob Henry’s story is still being written. Every practice rep, every film session, and every locker room conversation is a building block. Whether he earns a scholarship, sees regular playing time, or even breaks into the starting lineup down the line remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: he’s not here to coast on reputation. He’s here to earn it.
In a world of social media fame and instant gratification, Jacob Henry represents something increasingly rare in college athletics: a player focused on the long game. He’s not chasing headlines; he’s chasing respect, growth, and the opportunity to contribute. And in doing so, he’s embodying the kind of spirit that not only uplifts a program but also inspires those around him.
Mark Henry once ruled the world of powerlifting and professional wrestling with unmatched dominance. Now, his son Jacob is trying to carve out his own version of greatness—not by being the strongest man in the world, but by being the strongest version of himself. At Oklahoma, surrounded by history and driven by purpose, Jacob Henry is turning potential into progress—and legacy into something uniquely his own.
