Freshmen will be protecting both sides of Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer when the Sooners play Ole Miss on Saturday in Norman.
Parker Thune of OU Insider reported Friday that freshman Ryan Fodje will make his first career start at right tackle when the No. 13 Sooners host No. 8 Ole Miss at 11 a.m. CT Saturday. Freshman Michael Fasusi has been the usual starter on the other side at left tackle.
Ryan Fodje reportedly starting vs Ole Miss
Fodje will start in place of injured starter Derek Simmons, who reportedly suffered a concussion against South Carolina last week. Simmons was downgraded to out on Friday evening’s SEC Availability Report.
It’s less of a surprise that Fodje is starting as a freshman, but more because of where. Fodje has been listed as Febechi Nwaiwu’s backup at right guard all season. OU backup right tackle Logan Howland is also expected to be available, but was listed on the availability report all week with an injury. Regardless, whether it’s because of health or talent, the Sooners have more faith in moving Fodje to the outside than Howland stepping in for his fourth start of the season. However, Fodje does have experience at tackle.
Fodje signed with the Sooners as a four-star recruit in the 2025 class. According to the 247Sports Composite, he was the No. 14 offensive tackle in the class. His teammate, Fasusi, was the No. 1 tackle in the class and a five-star recruit.
The duo immediately had high expectations from OU offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh, so it wouldn’t have been unexpected if someone was told before the season that both freshmen would be starting.
"I hate to put unreal expectations on them, you know me, I'm an honest dude," Bedenbaugh said during fall camp. "I haven't had — and we've had good players, really good guys that are All-Pros — I haven't had anybody like them at that age, just overall. They aren't afraid."