How impactful will elite offensive line recruit Michael Fasusi be as a freshman for the Oklahoma Sooners?

The signing of elite five-star Michael Fasusi was a historic one for the Sooners, as he was their highest-ranked offensive line recruit ever and one of the best recruits in Oklahoma history. It was a turning point for the Sooners up front, who needed a big win with a dismal 2024 season. 

Fasusi is such a program-shifting player up front that ESPN labeled him as one of the biggest freshmen to watch in the upcoming 2025 season. ESPN placed him fourth, and he was the only offensive lineman to make their list. 

"Uncharacteristically, Oklahoma found itself in desperate need of offensive line help. Fasusi was not the only big-time recruit in the OU class but certainly projects as someone would could make a quick impact.Left or right side, Bill Bedenbaugh could work Fasusi at multiple spots. Snaps will be there throughout the season, and if he can develop, maybe earn a starting place as the season progresses."

Fasusi has taken snaps at left tackle throughout the spring and is already up to the second-string spot in the lineup. While Logan Howland was out during that time due to recovery from in-season injuries, it's a testament to Fasusi's talent that he's already ascended the lineup this quickly. 

How quickly can he start? It's tough to say. Logan Howland earned the job and closed the season strong, particularly with a memorable performance against Alabama, and the Sooners still have Jacob Sexton in the rotation as well. However, if Fasusi truly is the talent we think he can be, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him start by the midseason point.

Historically, Bedenbaugh has waited to play freshmen in the lineup, but those spots get mostly settled by around the time Red River is played every season. 

If Fasusi is as dominant as the scuttlebutt around the program has me believe, he'll likely end the season as the starter and lock down left tackle for another two seasons before he's off to the NFL.