The Oklahoma Sooners could get key pieces of their offensive line back soon.
As in previous years, the Sooners' offensive line entered this season banged up. Interior offensive linemen Ryan Fodje and Jake Maikkula did not play in Oklahoma’s 51-0 win over UTEP on Friday night. That’s after Fodje injured his knee the week ahead of the contest while Maikkula injured his knee a few weeks ago during fall camp
.Their absence forced some changes to the group up front ahead of the season-opener, which included true freshman Noah Best taking over at center. Oklahoma was resilient against UTEP despite the quick assembly of the makeshift bunch. The Sooners accounted for 401 total yards and gave up just one sack. Still, it would be in Oklahoma’s best interest
to have a healthy collective in the trenches as the tougher part of their schedule looms. And head coach Brent Venables shared a positive update regarding Fodje and Maikkula’s availability on his coaches' show on Monday.
"We'll get them going this week," Venables said.
"We'll get them going this week," #Sooners coach Brent Venables says on his coach's show about OL Ryan Fodje and Jake Maikkula.
— Colton Sulley (@colton_sulley) September 8, 2026
Maikkula participated in warmups before UTEP game
Fodje committed to the Sooners as a three-star recruit in the 2025 class. However, his value so far in his young career has exceeded his initial grade. Bouncing around from right guard to right tackle, he has shown his versatility and quick ability to learn. The 6-foot-5, 321-pounder was even the projected starting center when Maikkula went down with his knee injury. Now, there’s a chance Fodje may even take a shot at left tackle if Michael Fasusi remains hampered with a shoulder injury. Per Pro Football Focus, Fasusi played just 17 snaps in the first quarter against UTEP.
The Sooners likely will need Maikkula’s leadership and 6-foot-6, 309-pound frame as they travel to Ann Arbor, Mich., to take on the Michigan Wolverines in a top-25 matchup. After transferring from Stanford ahead of the 2024 season, Maikkula started 10 games at center due to the Sooners dealing with offensive line injuries that season as well. Now, he’s the one trying to return. Encouraging developments for the Sooners, though: Maikkula suited up on Friday night and even warmed up ahead of the matchup with the Miners. Ultimately, he did not play, but signs point to the veteran center being available come Saturday. For the Sooners’ sake, the hope is that Fodje will join him.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Brent Venables shares injury update on OL Jake Maikkula, Ryan Fodje
