The Oklahoma Sooners‘ offensive line has been a revolving door all season as injuries have hammered the unit. This follows a lot of excitement entering the year, as four starters returned from last year’s College Football Playoff unit.
However, those four, Michael Fasusi, Jake Maikkula, Eddy Pierre-Louis and Ryan Fodje, have yet to play a game together due to injuries. All four players have missed multiple games this season due to injury. Still, the unit seems to be making progress after an early-season struggle.
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Fasusi credits that to the offensive line focusing on improving on the little things.
“Even when I was out, I could still see the improvement, week by week,” Fasusi said via SoonerScoop. “The little things. The basics. Just getting better at the little things like coming off the ball, hands inside, good feet, running the way the play is supposed to be designed. Just not overthinking anything.”
That attention to fundamentals will be especially important as Oklahoma tries to establish consistency along the offensive line. The group has rarely had the opportunity to build chemistry with its projected starters, making communication and execution even more critical. While injuries have prevented the Sooners from reaching their preseason expectations up front, the steady improvement Fasusi described offers reason for optimism.
Oklahoma will need that progress to continue against the Ole Miss Rebels, particularly against a defensive front capable of creating pressure and disrupting the run game. The Sooners cannot afford to lose battles at the line of scrimmage if they want to sustain drives and keep their offense moving. With more experience and continued attention to detail, the offensive line has a chance to become a strength rather than a lingering concern as the season winds down.
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Fantastic photos from Oklahoma’s 23-7 win over the Florida Gators
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall and Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables shake hands before the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Fantastic photos from Oklahoma’s 23-7 win over the Florida Gators
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall and Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables shake hands before the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Brent Venables praises Jason Witten after Sooners top Gators
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners interim offensive coordinator Jason Witten and Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables talk before the game by the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Brent Venables confident Jason Witten can become a full-time OC
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners interim offensive coordinator Jason Witten walks on the field during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Fantastic photos from Oklahoma’s 23-7 win over the Florida Gators
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Former Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops talks with Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall before the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Brent Venables raves about the offensive performance against Florida
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) stiff arms Florida Gators inside linebacker Ty Jackson (7) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Updated Oklahoma Football game-by-game predictions from ESPN
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) gestures with a Gator Chomp during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Brent Venables reveals why more players were involved against Florida
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jacob Jordan (7) runs with the ball during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Brent Venables praised the OL for its play against Florida
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators jack linebacker Jayden Woods (0) looks at Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Fantastic photos from Oklahoma’s 23-7 win over the Florida Gators
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) intercepts a pass to Florida Gators wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. (2) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Fantastic photos from Oklahoma’s 23-7 win over the Florida Gators
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) throws the ball during the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Fantastic photos from Oklahoma’s 23-7 win over the Florida Gators
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners mascot Boomer sits on the field during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Fantastic photos from Oklahoma’s 23-7 win over the Florida Gators
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators cornerback Ben Hanks III (12) tackles Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Oklahoma TE Rocky Beers named Mackey Award Semifinalist
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) attempts to catch a pass while Florida Gators star defensive back Kanye Clark (20) defends during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Fantastic photos from Oklahoma’s 23-7 win over the Florida Gators
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators cheerleaders perform during a timeout during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Oklahoma defense responds to loss with dominant outing against Florida
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) gestures after a quarterback sack during the first half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Fantastic photos from Oklahoma’s 23-7 win over the Florida Gators
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie Powers III (3) and Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) tackle Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Fantastic photos from Oklahoma’s 23-7 win over the Florida Gators
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators dazzlers perform during a timeout during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Fantastic photos from Oklahoma’s 23-7 win over the Florida Gators
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) gestures after making a touchdown during the first half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Fantastic photos from Oklahoma’s 23-7 win over the Florida Gators
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) makes a catch for a touchdown during the first half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Fantastic photos from Oklahoma’s 23-7 win over the Florida Gators
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) reaches for a first down while Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Danny Okoye (16) tackles during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Is Oklahoma’s Brent Venables on the hot seat?
Nov 7, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables walks on the field after the game by the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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