The Oklahoma Sooners haven't even taken a real snap yet in the 2026 college football season, but are still already dealing with injuries, especially along the offensive line. Some things just never change.
The Sooners kick off their season against UTEP at 7 p.m. CT Friday at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. They won't be fully healthy despite getting some good updates, including today, but what's most important is that OU is as close to 100% as possible for its trip to play No. 16 Michigan next week.
Here is OU's injury report for its Week 1 matchup with UTEP that includes who has to fill in because of the injuries and will be updated until kickoff.
C Jake Maikkula: OUT
Starting center Jake Maikkula, who started 10 games last season, was the first major injury domino to fall for the Sooners when he sprained his MCL during a fall camp scrimmage. His initial time frame was 4-6 weeks, which would have him returning Week 2 against Michigan at the earliest. OU got good news earlier this week, though, that Maikkula is practicing again, so it looks like there's a solid chance he's back at the start of his expected timeline, especially with him going through warm-ups Friday night.
Replacement: Who will start at center for OU Week 1 has been the million-dollar question. It was going to be Ryan Fodje shifting over from right guard, but in the end, Noah Best beat out Western Kentucky transfer Caleb Nitta to become the first true freshman since 2012 to start at center for the Sooners.
OL Ryan Fodje: OUT
The versatile Ryan Fodje was the man to fill in for Jake Maikkula at center while shifting over from right guard, where he will likely start regularly, but then he suffered his own knee injury at practice this week. A negative MRI confirmed it was nothing serious, but Fodje will still be out Friday night out of precaution to assure the Sooners are healthy up front for Michigan.
Replacement: The situation at right guard when the plan was for Fodje to play center was either Heath Ozaeta or Noah Best. They were listed as co-starters on the initial depth chart, but with Best now starting at center, Ozaeta will be the man at right guard for his 16th career start.
WR Parker Livingstone: Available
Wide receiver Parker Livingstone had been in concussion protocol since last week, but ESPN's Pete Thamel reported on Friday that Livingstone will be available to make his OU debut. Listed at 6-foot-3, Livingstone was an exciting portal addition after transferring from Texas and gives quarterback John Mateer all of his weapons for Week 1, which includes Virginia transfer Trell Harris and returning top receiver Isaiah Sategna.
Replacement: Livingstone was listed as a co-starter at X on the depth chart with sophomore Elijah Thomas, but after Livingstone missed multiple practices, Thomas will get the nod for his first career start. After two offseasons of hype, fans have been excited to see what Thomas can do as a freak athlete from Checotah High School (OK).
Add us as a preferred source on Google