Oklahoma’s offensive line took a hit at the worst possible time for a looming Week 2 trip to Ann Arbor.
During the Sooners’ first scrimmage over the weekend, fifth-year starting center Jake Maikkula was rolled up on. At first, it looked like his season might be in jeopardy, but an MRI on Monday showed a sprained MCL. The injury will keep him out 4-6 weeks, which means he won’t be available when Oklahoma faces Michigan.
After a weekend of worry, the Sooners at least avoided the worst-case scenario with the latest Jake Maikkula injury update.
That’s still a major problem for Oklahoma, especially with the way this matchup figures to be decided in the trenches. Maikkula is the Sooners’ top offensive lineman and the anchor in the middle of the line, so his absence gives Michigan a clear opening up front.
Oklahoma does return four of five starters on the offensive line, but three of those returners were freshmen, so the group’s leadership is still a question. Depth at center is another issue. Last season, when Maikkula missed the final two games, right guard Febechi Nwaiwu had to slide over and make his first start at center.
There’s no certainty yet about who replaces Maikkula for the start of the season, but Michigan no longer has to build its game plan around him.
That puts even more pressure on the Wolverines’ defensive line, which now has a chance to attack Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer. Last season, in the first game without Maikkula against Missouri, Mateer threw for just 173 yards and led the Sooners on the ground with 60 rushing yards. The protection broke down often, which wasn’t shocking given the short time to adjust to a new center.
This time, Oklahoma will have a few weeks to sort things out before the 2026 season begins. That doesn’t erase the loss, but it does mean the line should be less disjointed than it was in that Missouri game.
Even so, Michigan’s front has a chance to make this a long night for the Sooners. Oklahoma’s defense is expected to be solid, which will put Brayce Underwood and his weapons under some pressure on the other side, but Michigan defensive coordinator Jay Hill should have his line ready to go after an offensive front that just got thinner.
There’s been plenty of buzz in camp around John Henry Daley and his ability to collapse the pocket with his quick step. Cameron Brandt is expected to start opposite Daley, while Trey Pierce and Enow Etta will work the interior. That group will likely be lined up against Oklahoma’s backup center.
If Michigan’s defensive line lives up to the hype it has built in camp, Mateer could spend a lot of the afternoon trying to escape pressure.
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