While the Washington Commanders made waves in NFL free agency by signing Odafe Oweh, the star edge rusher wasn't the only member of his family in the headlines this month.
Oweh's younger brother, Otega, is a member of the University of Kentucky men's basketball team. And he became an NCAA Tournament legend.
Prior to Kentucky getting bounced in the second round by Iowa State, Oweh hit a nearly half-court buzzer beater against Santa Clara to send the game to overtime. Suffice to say, it's been a good couple of weeks for the family.
Commanders' new edge rusher Odafe Oweh isn't the only headline maker in the family
The younger Oweh was forced into a starring role for Kentucky this past season due to injuries. He ended the year as their leading scorer, earning second-team All-SEC honors. But it was this moment in the first round of the NCAA Tournament that will last forever.
“OTEGA OWEH HAS JUST ETCHED HIS NAME INTO MARCH MADNESS LORE!”
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 20, 2026
Spero Dedes and Jim Spanarkel were ready for the madness during the thrilling finish of Santa Clara vs. Kentucky. pic.twitter.com/btsHjDPAau
Santa Clara's Allen Graves had just hit a three-pointer to give his team the lead with only 2.4 seconds remaining. But Kentucky quickly got the ball to Oweh, who hoisted it from well beyond the three-point line to force extra minutes. The Wildcats then won in overtime by five.
There was some controversy regarding the finish as Santa Clara head coach Herb Sendek tried to call a timeout to set his defense, but wasn't granted one. The clock also appeared to start a few fractions of a second late on Kentucky's final possession, allowing Oweh to run enough of the court to have a good look.
Still, these are the moments that we all live for in March. And naturally, big brother was watching.
Odafe Oweh reacting to his younger brother Otega sending Kentucky to overtime against Santa Clara pic.twitter.com/fXWCNGexQ8
— Lyle Alenstein (@LAlenstein) March 20, 2026
Where the Commanders' Oweh is concerned, the shining moment should offer some prime motivation to outdo Otega when the NFL returns to the gridiron. Through four years in the league, the 2021 first-round draft pick has accumulated 30.5 sacks, 34 tackles for loss, 79 quarterback hits, and four forced fumbles.
He still has room to take his game to greater heights. The Commanders will expect Pro Bowl-caliber play from Oweh, given the $25 million per year they'll pay him over the next four seasons. He has a chance to become the star of Washington's pass-rush unit, which underwent a necessary makeover during an aggressive period of free agency from general manager Adam Peters.
And when the NBA Draft rolls around in June, perhaps there's a chance the Washington Wizards could use a second-rounder or undrafted flyer to unite the two brothers in D.C.