Sooners on track to start two freshmen tackles again in brutal test at Tennessee

It looks like the Oklahoma Sooners’ offensive line could again be sandwiched between two freshmen for their trip to Tennessee.

Derek Simmons, OU’s usual starter at right tackle, was listed as doubtful on the initial SEC Availability Report on Wednesday evening before the No. 18 Sooners play the No. 14 Volunteers at 6:30 p.m. CT Saturday in Knoxville. That means the Sooners will likely be without Simmons for the second week in a row because of an ankle injury.

Derek Simmons injury could put Ryan Fodje in lineup again

Freshman Ryan Fodje filled in for Simmons last week to make his first career start. Fellow freshman Michael Fasusi had his usual role as the starter on the other side at left tackle, and the two youngsters will likely man both tackle spots again against Tennessee.

After backing up Febechi Nwaiwu at right guard most of the season, Fodje slid over to right tackle to make his first start last week. However, it was a comfortable move for Fodje. He was the No. 14 offensive tackle in the 2025 class, according to the 247Sports Composite, as a four-star recruit.

“I like playing tackle,” Fodje said. “I like being on the island by myself. That’s where you get most exposed. And people, if you’re good at tackle, you really get more exposed in a good way. I feel like at guard, not necessarily it’s bad, but I like being on my island, you know?”

Fodje shifting around and already cracking the starting lineup was a result of a battered offensive line. As usual, offensive linemen Troy Everett, Jacob Sexton and Jake Taylor were already listed as out on the initial availability report. With Simmons doubtful, the Sooners will likely again have four offensive linemen sidelined this week against Tennessee.

Right tackle Logan Howland was also listed as questionable after being on the injury report all of last week, too. Wide receiver Keontez Lewis was listed as doubtful after missing the last two games.

An updated SEC Availability Report will be released at 7:10 p.m. CT Thursday.