Oklahoma’s offensive line is once again in survival mode heading into its game against South Carolina, and the Sooners may need Caleb Nitta to step in again if Jake Maikkula can’t go.
The Wednesday availability report listed 15 Oklahoma players, and the list again included key offensive linemen Ryan Fodje and Eddy Pierre-Louis as unavailable. Heath Ozaeta is expected back, while Maikkula was tagged as “questionable” after getting hurt against Mississippi State. Nitta took over for him in that game and handled his snaps well.
That kind of readiness is exactly why offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle is comfortable with Nitta in a pinch.
“Caleb's a fighter and he loves football, plays his butt off,” Arbuckle said.“ And it's been that way since he's gotten here.
That showed on his previous tape from other institutions. He's very smart, like really intelligent, understands defense, understands what's happening in the box, can see defensive back rotations.
I mean, he's a sharp kid. But he's a fighter, you know, and he'll give us everything that he has.”
For Oklahoma, that sort of backup reliability matters more now than ever. If Maikkula is unable to play, the Sooners will need someone who can come in quickly, sort out defensive looks, and keep the communication clean across the front.
That became even more important after the improved showing against Mississippi State. Oklahoma will be leaning on that progress again as it tries to stay steady against a South Carolina team that is riding a winning streak. With so many moving parts up front, the Sooners’ ability to keep protection and assignments intact could hinge on whether Nitta is called into action again.
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Oklahoma Finally Gets A Sean Hutton Update Fans Will Love
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Brent Venables and Huttons teammates have made it clear how much the recovery means to them, both for the player and for the room around him. The on-field details still matter less than the larger picture now, and for Oklahoma, the biggest news is simply having Hutton back around the program and moving in the right direction. [Read more 🡒]
Lincoln Rileys USC Slide Now Highlights What Oklahoma Fans Knew
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The concern in Los Angeles is not just about style, but survival, with USC still carrying talented running backs and a Heisman-winning quarterback in Caleb Williams while staring at a slim playoff path. With tougher matchups still ahead, the Trojans need a cleaner, more reliable ground attack to avoid letting the season slip further, and the pressure on Riley is only rising as the questions around his offense keep echoing. [Read more 🡒]
Oklahoma Heads Into South Carolina With Key Spots Still In Flux
Oklahomas trip to South Carolina arrives with a few important lineup questions still hanging over the Sooners. Jake Maikkula, Peyton Bowen and Eli Bowen were all listed as questionable on the latest SEC availability report, leaving some uncertainty around a game that is already set for Saturday at 3:15 p.m. on SEC Network.
Several other Sooners were also tagged across the report in the other categories, with players confirmed out, doubtful or probable as the team continues to work through the week. For Oklahoma, the timing matters as much as the opponent, since every change to the availability report can ripple into how the Sooners set their depth and approach on game day. [Read more 🡒]