New Delhi, April 6: Oklahoma Sooners’ fifth-year head coach Brent Venables is vocal about his desire for the team to enhance its running game in the upcoming 2026 season. Since the conclusion of the 2025 season, Venables has prioritized improving the team’s ability to run the football effectively.
A strong offensive line is essential for a successful running game. It must be physical and capable of creating openings for running backs. While Venables has successfully built a formidable defensive line, the offensive line still needs to improve its physicality and dominance on the field.
The offensive line struggled significantly in 2024, but there was some improvement last season. However, it was not enough to meet Venables’ expectations, particularly regarding run blocking. In 2025, Oklahoma averaged only 3.5 yards per carry, a statistic that hindered the offense’s performance in the College Football Playoff.
This winter, Venables has emphasized the need for a “kick-ass” mentality from his offense. He wants his players to engage physically and dominate in the running game, a characteristic that has been lacking for several years.
Despite past challenges, Venables is optimistic about the offensive line’s progress this winter. In a recent media session during spring practice, he expressed confidence in the unit’s potential. “I really like where we’re at on the offensive line,” Venables stated. “With the returners coming back, we should be better than we were. Three of them were freshmen last year, and their confidence and fundamentals have improved.”
Oklahoma will return five players who played significant roles on the offensive line last season: Michael Fasusi, Eddy Pierre-Louis, Jake Maikkula, Heath Ozaeta, and Ryan Fodje. Fasusi and Fodje made notable impacts as true freshmen, while Pierre-Louis was a redshirt freshman. Maikkula, a transfer from Stanford, became the starting center, and Ozaeta is the only lineman from the 2024 season still on the roster.
The Sooners also bolstered their offensive line through the transfer portal. Arkansas transfer E’Marion Harris is expected to start immediately as an experienced SEC right tackle. Caleb Nitta from Western Kentucky adds versatility to the interior, and Peyton Joseph from Georgia Tech will provide crucial depth at tackle.
The offensive line will also benefit from a revamped tight ends group, led by new coach Jason Witten. New additions include Hayden Hansen from Florida, Rocky Beers from Colorado State, and Jack Van Dorselaer from Tennessee, all aimed at strengthening this position.
With the return of last season’s top running backs, Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock, the offensive line will have young talent to support. Venables remains hopeful about the progress of his offensive line but understands that building a dominant unit takes time. He will need significant improvements from the line before the season begins in September to achieve his goal of a more effective running game.
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