By Jay Berry
The Oklahoma Sooners are aiming to strengthen their offensive line in 2025, which was a weak link last season.
The Sooners’ offensive line was a significant problem in 2024, contributing to the team’s struggles and a chaotic season overall. Offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh’s group ranked No. 132 in sacks allowed (46) and No. 127 in tackles for loss allowed.
A group decimated by injuries and a lack of depth looks stronger early so far this spring.
To help the offensive line turned in the right direction the Sooners will be hosting Stanford transfer center Jake Maikkula. According to Pro Football Focus, Maikkula started 11 games for the Cardinal in 2024, playing both left guard and center while logging 764 snaps. This kind of versatility would benefit the Sooners’ offensive line.
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He also brings valuable college football experience, having made 16 starts in the past two seasons, making starts at both center and guard.
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OL Making Progress
Notable freshman on the offensive line include five-star offensive tackle Michael Fasusi and four-star guard Ryan Fodje.
Troy Everett, who struggled with injuries last season, is projected to start at center, while Febechi Nwaiwu and Eddy Pierre-Louis have been taking the first-team snaps at the guard positions. Fodje has been receiving a lot of work at right guard. So far this spring, Josh Aisosa has been taking second-team reps at center.
Redshirt Sophomore Heath Ozaeta, ranked as the No. 26 offensive tackle in his recruiting class, is recovering from an injury, along with Darius Afalava and Logan Howland. All three will miss spring practice, which began March 11.
“Offensive line’s been good,” Everett said. “We have a lot of younger guys that are making a lot of good progress so far.”
Finding a depth piece in the transfer portal will be paramount for head coach Brent Venables, offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and Bedenbaugh so they don’t see themselves in the same position they were in last season.
Maximizing QB Talent
As Venables begins his fourth season amid considerable scrutiny following his first three years, improving the offensive line is essential for making significant progress in the SEC. This improvement is especially critical for maximizing the talent of Washington State transfer quarterback John Mateer.
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Adding a player like Maikkula could pay big dividends for a position group that can’t afford another sloppy season. A group with substantial depth is essential for Bedenbaugh, one of the top offensive line coaches in the country.
Having a nasty line upfront will give Mateer his best chance for payback after not being recruited by the SEC out of high school.
Mateer told USA Today, “I’m from the south, and all of these SEC teams recruit the south. So I guess they all passed on me. Hopefully, everybody will be paying for it.”
Venables and his staff have their work cut out for them after finishing 13th in the SEC. The question is how much they can improve in a conference where multiple teams and coaches are eager to prove people wrong this season?
