Oklahoma Sooners already having to reshuffle key position unit right before opening kickoff of 2025 season

A season ago, the Oklahoma Sooners were completely decimated by injuries, handicapping an offense already limited by its quarterback and offensive scheme. They lost their starting five wide receivers and went through a dozen offensive line combinations throughout the season.

Entering the 2025 season, there's been plenty of optimism surrounding the offense turning itself around with new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and quarterback John Mateer at the helm. However, a problem is already rearing its ugly head again ahead of their season opener, and it's already a slight cause for concern.

Oklahoma Sooners Offensive Line Already Battling Injury Bug

Entering Oklahoma's season opener against Illinois State, the Sooners have already had to begin reshuffling the offensive line, introducing two players who weren't presumed to be starters just a few short weeks ago.

Star freshman offensive tackle Michael Fasusi suffered a setback last week in practice when he passed out due to the heat and had to be taken to the hospital by medical personnel. He seems to be all clear but the Sooners are obviously cautious. I don't know how much he'll play or if he'll play at all in their Week 1 opener. The left tackle job will come down to Jacob Sexton or Stanford transfer Luke Baklenko. I would expect both to rotate heavily throughout this game.

Starting left guard Heath Ozaeta banged up his shoulder in practice this week, leaving the job likely open for Eddy Pierre-Louis, a player the staff has raved about for a year, to step into the starting lineup for the first time. Additionally, right tackle Derek Simmons suffered a concussion a few weeks ago and has yet to return to practice. Given his history of concussions, the staff is understandably being cautious, but it's unknown when he will return. Thus, Logan Howland will make his first start over at right tackle.

Based on my best guess, I would imagine that Oklahoma's offensive line for this matchup will be (from left to right):

Jacob Sexton
Eddy Pierre-Louis
Troy Everett
Febechi Nwaiwu
Logan Howland

However, expect the Stanford transfers, Luke Baklenko and Jake Maikkula, to rotate at both left tackle and center respectively. Jake Taylor, last year's starter at right tackle, will also factor into the rotation at right tackle.

Keep an eye on youngsters Daniel Akinkunmi and Ryan Fodje at both guard spots as well. I'd expect both players to get a heavy dose of action this week if the Sooners get off to a hot start.

I get the feeling that these injuries are mainly precautionary. If Oklahoma were playing a big game or a conference game, Ozaeta and Fasusi would likely be in. Since it's Illinois State however, I understand the staff being fairly cautious.

Still, keep an eye on the Derek Simmons situation. Several people I've spoken to don't like the uncertainty there, with one calling it "odd". With no return timetable and the staff remaining relatively mum, there's a chance that Simmons could miss more time than originally anticipated.