Ed Oliver, Houston's All-American defensive tackle and a top NFL draft prospect, got into a heated argument with Cougars coach Major Applewhite before halftime of Thursday night's game against Tulane.
The incident stemmed from Oliver being told to remove a long, heavy team coat — typically reserved for active players — on the sideline because he was not dressed to play in the game, according to ESPN sideline reporter Laura Rutledge. ESPN cameras caught Oliver having a heated conversation with Applewhite both on the sideline and en route to the locker room for halftime.
Oliver did not return to the field for the second half of Houston's 48-17 win.
"He got emotional, but he's young and that's what happens," Applewhite said after the game. "And he's not playing. That's hard. That's difficult. I don't hold anything against anyone. I'm just going to visit with him about it. I love him. I want him to be a part of our team. I want him to be with our team."
Oliver has missed four consecutive games since injuring his knee on a low block against Navy on Oct. 20. Before the game against Tulane, ESPN cameras showed Oliver on the field running, jumping and catching passes as his teammates warmed up.
Oliver is a two-time All-American and the 2017 Outland Trophy winner (presented to college football's best interior lineman), and already has announced that this season will be his final year at Houston and that he plans to enter the 2019 NFL draft. He is the top-rated defensive tackle prospect for 2019, according to Draft Wire.
On Wednesday, Oliver was named a semifinalist for the 2018 Outland Trophy.
Contributing: The Associated Press.
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Jim Reineking on Twitter @jimreineking.