The Oklahoma Sooners' offensive line will be the unit to watch as the team prepares to face the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday night in Norman. That's because they'll likely be without one key piece, and two others are questionable for Week 7.
In the latest SEC availability report released Thursday night, guard Eddy Pierre-Louis was downgraded to doubtful while offensive tackle Michael Fasusi and guard Heath Ozaeta remained questionable. If the trio misses the game, a new starter will have to emerge to replace Ozaeta at guard. Oklahoma would likely turn to Peyton Joseph. Unless Fasusi is able to play. Then the Sooners can flip Ryan Fodje back to right guard, where he was projected to start in 2026 before injuries took a toll.
Head coach Brent Venables
said he was "just about ready" to make his return on Tuesday.
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.
Wide receiver Parker Livingstone was also downgraded on Thursday. The former Texas wideout hasn't had the production many thought he'd have when he transferred from Texas, but that's more of a symptom of the Sooners' offense than Livingstone's play. If he can't go on Saturday night, Manny Choice and Mackenzie Alleyne would get the snaps in three wide receiver sets for the Sooners.
Starting cornerback Eli Bowen remained questionable heading into Saturday night. He missed the Sooners' win over the Longhorns. Trystan Haynes could be in line for his second consecutive start against the Wildcats.
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. 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 10/14/2026
Kentucky Wildcats Availability Report
As of 10/14/2026
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Pair of Key Sooners downgraded on Thursday SEC Availability report
