Oklahoma’s offensive line depth suddenly looks frightening after portal exodus

The Oklahoma Sooners lost two depth pieces along the offensive line within hours of each other on Wednesday.

First, Luke Baklenko announced via social media his intentions to transfer once the portal officially opens on Friday. Then, less than four hours later, On3's Pete Nakos reported that Logan Howland would also be headed to the Transfer Portal. After the two latest casualties on Wednesday, the Sooners have lost five offensive linemen to the portal so far this cycle before it even opens.

Luke Baklenko and Logan Howland plan to enter Transfer Portal

Baklenko, a junior, spent just one season in Oklahoma after transferring from Stanford last year. Most importantly, Baklenko stayed healthy while appearing in every game this season as a valuable depth piece at left tackle behind star freshman Michael Fasusi, who is expected to return.

Howland signed with the Sooners in 2023 as a consensus three-star recruit. He appeared in every game last season before earning a starting role at left tackle for the last six games. However, after starting between both tackle spots in three of the first five games this season, Howland didn't see the field again because of injury. Fasusi and fellow freshman Ryan Fodje ultimately took over both tackle spots for the Sooners.

Although neither Baklenko or Howland likely would have cracked the Sooners' starting lineup in 2026, both could have been crucial depth pieces, and what's behind OU's possible starting five is now a major concern. Along with the five reserve offensive linemen being lost to the portal, starting right guard Febechi Nwaiwu exhausted his eligibility as OU's only usual starter not returning. Derek Simmons, who started seven games at right tackle, is also out of eligibility.

The Sooners' starting front next season will likely be Fasusi, Eddy Pierre-Louis, Jake Maikkula, Heath Ozaeta and Fodje. That seems to be set, but considering injuries seem to plague OU's offensive line every season lately, it's crucial for OU general manager Jim Nagy to add depth pieces or else the Sooners could be one play away from disaster in 2026.