Alright, the fall camp wraps up, and for the Oklahoma Sooners, the 2026 season kickoff is barely a week away. This squad is seriously loaded with talent across the board, and we’re talking about an offense that should be miles better than last year. Plus, the defense is geared up to straight-up replicate its stellar 2025 performance. But even with all that hype, a few questions are still hanging out there from camp. It’s not a talent issue, it’s about getting some clarity on where the coaching staff is gonna take things in those critical first few weeks.
Who’s Snapping the Ball? That’s the Million-Dollar Question
First up, and maybe the most immediate headache for OU, is the center position. Starting center Jake Maikkula is sidelined for the short term. That means the Sooners need someone to step up big for the UTEP game and potentially even the Michigan game. Caleb Nitta was brought in as the backup, but everyone’s buzzing about true freshman Noah Best. This kid has been getting rave reviews all summer, even spending time at center in spring ball. He’s been rocking mostly at right guard in fall camp with the first team offense, which is huge because it’s gotten him physically ready for the brutal defensive fronts they’ll see in Week 2 against Michigan and then in SEC play. Do they roll with Best’s talent and upside, or go with a more veteran guy like Nitta? Don’t sleep on Ryan Fodje either. He’s been taking snaps at center since Maikkula went down, playing all over the offensive line, and he’s got the athleticism and mental toughness for the job. Plus, he’s started in some gnarly road environments. This isn’t just a small hole, it’s a gaping one.
The Ground Game Is Getting a Massive Upgrade
Oklahoma is coming into 2026 with something to prove, especially after last season’s run game averaged just 113 yards per game and a measly 3.4 yards per carry. That just won’t cut it. Good news: this year’s running back group is absolutely better than what they had before. Look for Xavier Robinson and true freshman Jonathan Hatton to split the early-down carries. These dudes are both 230+ pounds, and get this, they still have the speed to rip off big plays. That’s a serious combo. Then you’ve got transfer Lloyd Avant stepping in as the third-down back. This is the kind of backfield depth that makes opposing defenses sweat. If they can get this running game revved up, forget about it.
Defensive Line Depth Is Ready to Feast
Coming into fall camp, everyone was wondering about the depth behind projected defensive tackle starters David Stone and Jayden Jackson. And while we still don’t have the full picture of the rotation, the Sooners are absolutely loaded with options. We’re talking blue-chip talent like Nigel Smith, Trent Wilson, and Tank Carrington. Plus, there’s a seasoned veteran in Bishop Thomas. All four of these guys have been creating serious buzz this offseason with their ability and how much they’ve developed. This unit is going to be a problem for offensive lines, no doubt.
With the season kicking off in just over a week, these Sooners have a chance to answer those questions fast. The UTEP game is up first, and then it’s Michigan in Week 2. That’s where we’ll see who steps up.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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