The Oklahoma Sooners look likely to have a new makeup along the offensive line heading into Saturday. The Sooners had several offensive linemen listed as doubtful for the Sooners' primetime matchup with Kentucky on Friday night's SEC availability report.
After initially being listed as questionable, Michael Fasusi and Heath Ozaeta, a pair of players who have started a number of games for the Sooners over the last two seasons, were downgraded to doubtful. They joined fellow offensive lineman Eddy Pierre-Louis as doubtful.
This comes after Head coach Brent Venables said Fasusi was "just about ready" to make his return on Tuesday. Well, it looks like we'll have to wait another week for Fasusi's return.
Fasusi has missed the last four games after playing
with a shoulder injury against UTEP. Ozaeta was banged up in warm-ups ahead of the Red River Showdown, but still played 59 snaps up front.
With Fasusi, Ozaeta, and Pierre-Louis doubtful for Saturday, the Sooners will have another combination starting up front for the Sooners. Ryan Fodje will continue to start at left tackle with true freshman Noah Best at left guard. Jake Miakkula will be at center once again with E'Marion Harris at right tackle. That leaves right guard as the question mark. Peyton Joseph is probably the player coming off the bench to start for the Sooners. He's been a rotational player at guard this season, playing 47 snaps this season.
Starting cornerback Eli Bowen has been ruled out for Saturday, putting Trystan Haynes in line to make his second straight start.
For the Kentucky Wildcats, one of the most important names to watch ahead of Saturday's primetime affair is running back C.J. Baxter. Baxter joined Kentucky via the transfer portal from Texas. He's run for 484 yards and eight touchdowns at 5.6 yards per carry this season. He remains questionable for Saturday, and Pete Nakos of On3 says he'll be a game-time decision. It would be a big blow to the Wildcats, but they have capable runners behind him on the depth chart in Jason Patterson (361 yards, 7.7 yards per carry) and former Sooner Jovantae Barnes (140 yards, 6.1 yards per carry).
Oklahoma Sooners Availability Report
As of 10/16/2026
Kentucky Wildcats Availability Report
As of 10/14/2026
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma vs. Kentucky Injury Report: Sooners offensive line banged up
