NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -The NCAA has denied a request from Oklahoma defensive tackle Demarcus Granger for a medical hardship waiver that would allow him to play another season.

Sooners coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday that Granger's request for a fifth year of eligibility had been turned down.

A former starter, Granger had surgery on his lower back in December. He's said he was born with a condition that didn't allow enough room for the nerves in his lower back, and a surgeon had to scrape some bone away to relieve the pain.

Granger started 11 games for Oklahoma in 2007 before playing as a reserve last year.

The 22nd-ranked Sooners host Kansas State on Saturday.