Brent Venables describes his view of Oklahoma offensive line after multiple departures

The Oklahoma Sooners have a new-look offense in 2025. Much of the focus has been on the quarterback and the offensive coordinator changes there. However, head coach Brent Venables has seen plenty of turnover along the offensive line, too.

After arguably being the worst position group Oklahoma fielded in 2024, several changes have been made. Now, Venables is excited about the strides forward that the unit can take with more experience, some stability, and another year to develop.

“We had three guys in the portal that we feel like have given us better competitive depth at that position,” Brent Venables said. “And then the returning players, as you noted. Some of the guys have gone through different injuries. Jake Taylor, Jacob Sexton were both banged up. Troy Everett, the first part of the year as well. All those guys, back and healthy, along with guys like Febechi [Nwaiwu]. Certainly, Logan Howland, Heath Ozaeta, both had postseason shoulder surgeries. They’re back and healthy, and had great summers as well.”

This offseason, Venables and Oklahoma looked to add to the offensive line in several spots. That included three offensive linemen in the transfer portal. In the Class of 2025, Oklahoma also added five-star tackle Michael Fasusi and four-star tackle Ryan Fodje. They’re both top 100 recruits.

“Then the influx of some of he young guys. Mike Fasusi, Ryan Fodje, in particular. Daniel Akinkunmi, as well, has made some good progress. Eddy Pierre-Louis had not gotten here until last summer. So he was a little bit behind mentally, fundamentally. What he did in high school was a hard position to fundamentally step in,” Venables said. “And physically, for that matter. But Eddy’s really made tremendous improvement as well. His confidence, a much different place. He’s actually leading in some capacity now. Logan and Heath did some really good things for young players. Both of ‘em probably were forced into action before they were quite ready. Sometimes you get exposed through that. Exposure, even though it’s humiliating and mentally challenging on you. I think that’s where the real growth happens. Both of those guys say they’re much better through that fire they went through last year.”

Plenty of young players were forced into playing last season amid Oklahoma’s offensive line issues. In the first nine weeks, Oklahoma had to play eight different starting units along the line. So, perhaps it shouldn’t be a surprise that Oklahoma was tied for 133rd, or last, nationally in sacks allowed, giving up 3.85 sacks per game. That would have its impact on every part of the offense.

“I’m really excited about the guys in the portal as well. The maturity, the experience they’ve brought, and the improvement. A guy like Derek Simmons has made as much improvement from strength and body composition as anybody on the offensive line… The offensive line made the most percentage of improvements in the weight room when it comes to strength and added size. The pounds that the group, percentage-wise, gained and body comp was excellent. Speed improvement in a lot of areas… Between Derek Simmons and Jake Maikkula and also Luke Baklenko,” Venables said. “Is just a good group of guys that made great improvement. Whether they’re starters, or they’re role guys, or they’re part of the depth. A group of guys who have made everyone better, including themselves.”

Now, Oklahoma has an offense led by Ben Arbuckle. He’ll be looking to get more out of this more experienced offensive line than the Sooners got out of it last season. After opening on against Illinois State, the Sooners are going to get tested early in Week 2 against Michigan. So, Venables knows his offensive line needs to have taken those strides in the offseason.

“So, I think the chemistry of the group is in a better place than a year ago. People matter, and not I think the guys blended in well last year,” Venables said. “But some guys take leadership roles right away or are a little more relational. Things of that nature. Then, I think they experienced — Troy’s in a much different place. He’s one of our best leaders on the team. But he’s leading in a different way than he did a year ago. But he’s not the only one, there’s a lot of good guys from that standpoint.”