Oklahoma’s offensive line looked one way when fall camp opened and quite a bit different by the time the Sooners wrapped nearly a month of work.
The biggest change came when Jake Maikkula suffered an injury that Brent Venables described as short-term. That immediately put the depth up front under pressure and turned what had looked like a settled top five into a live competition for the opening stretch of the season.
Some pieces never moved. Michael Fasusi stayed at left tackle and E'Marion Harris held down right tackle, with Harris emerging as one of the constants throughout camp. Fasusi, meanwhile, missed time while being limited, something Oklahoma approached very cautiously.
The ripple effect showed up everywhere else. Heath Ozaeta, who had been viewed as the sixth man before camp, was also limited, and that opened the door for true freshman Noah Best.
Best worked with the ones at right guard throughout camp and stood out while doing it. He can also play center, which made him one of the most logical options once Maikkula went down.
Caleb Nitta also entered the mix as the more experienced choice. But Oklahoma didn’t stop there.
Ryan Fodje picked up a heavy workload at center with the ones recently, adding another layer to a line that kept shifting as camp went on. Fodje said he’s willing to play anywhere, and the Sooners have clearly leaned into that flexibility.
That versatility was one of the defining themes of camp for Oklahoma’s front. Fodje worked at tackle, guard and now center, while Best’s emergence suggested the Sooners may have something special in the freshman.
Camp also brought a clearer answer in another spot: Elijah Thomas forced his way into the starting conversation.
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Fasusis inclusion stands out most, since he is the first sophomore captain since 2024 and the first sophomore offensive lineman to earn the honor since 2019. Several of the captains addressed what leadership means during media availability, a sign Oklahoma is trying to define its identity early as it prepares to open the season against UTEP on Sept. 4. [Read more 🡒]
Oklahoma Added A Transfer Brent Venables Could Use All Over The Field
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Venables has made it clear Sullivan can be used all over the field, which matters for a defense that likes flexibility and depth. Sullivans path to Norman opened after Michigan changed head coaches, and his arrival gives Oklahoma another piece to work with as it sorts out how to deploy an already strong linebacker room. [Read more 🡒]