Ryan Fodje is the correct answer to Oklahoma's biggest depth chart question

Oklahoma’s first two-deep depth chart of the 2026 college football season, which was released on Monday, gave a clear answer to the biggest question of fall camp: Who will replace the injured Jake Maikkula as OU’s starting center?

The answer: sophomore Ryan Fodje, who was listed as the starter at center for the Sooners’ season opener against UTEP at 7 p.m. CT Friday night at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. He beat out Western Kentucky transfer Caleb Nitta to get the nod. Gunnar Allen is No. 3 on the depth chart.

Fodje’s performance there, for however long he’s needed at center, will ultimately confirm the coaching staff’s decision, but this seems to be the right choice to get the most talent and experience along the Sooners’ entire offensive front to protect quarterback John Mateer and pave the way for a hopefully improved running game.

Ryan Fodje gets nod to replace Jake Maikkula as Sooners' center

Fodje will get the chance to prove his versatility that was a talking point throughout fall camp. As the Sooners battled a few minor injuries during the first few practices, it was reported that Fodje played left tackle after spending most of last season on the other side. He also started at right guard the final two games of last season.

It was already known then that Fodje’s versatility would be extremely valuable for the Sooners, and that was even before Maikkula went down.

"I just feel like whatever I gotta do, I gotta do it," Fodje told the media then. "I know it's hard. I know football's hard. Life is hard. Everything's hard in life. But I just gotta do what I gotta do to make the team successful. That's all I gotta do. If they need me at center, I'll take the glove off right now and start snapping the ball. That's all I gotta do."

Fast forward, and Fodje really is having to snap the ball at center, which is the most difficult position along the offensive line to jump into, between not only snapping the ball, but also making all the calls and making sure Mateer is comfortable.

"I said earlier at fall camp that I could take off my glove and play center, so that's what I'm doing right now," Fodje said Monday after practice. "But it's been good."

Fodje said he played center some in high school so it’s not a complete unknown. He’s been working overtime with offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh and Maikkula to learn the position. He’s also been getting extra reps with Mateer.

I have full faith in Fodje as one of the most talented players on OU’s roster as a former four-star recruit in the 2025 class. Yes, he’s giant for a center at 6-foot-5 and 321 pounds, but Bedenbaugh wouldn’t put him there if that was an issue.

Fodje will also have had nearly three weeks of practice at center by the time he takes the field on Friday night. Last season when Maikkula was sidelined, starting guard Febechi Nwaiwu was tasked with making his first career start at center with a week’s notice. He did exceptional, even in a College Football Playoff game against Alabama while playing just his second game at center. Fodje has had more time to prepare, is more talented and has a warm-up game against UTEP instead of being thrown against SEC competition immediately. He’ll be ready for Michigan in Week 2.

With Fodje at center, the Sooners have the most talented and experienced five guys up front they can without Maikkula in the mix. Michael Fasusi and Eddy Pierre-Louis will be in their usual spots of left tackle and left guard, respectively.

Filling in for Fodje at right guard will be Heath Ozaeta or Noah Best. Ozaeta already has 15 career starts under his belt so would be an easy transition. Best is a freshman who made a name himself during fall camp, so even though he’ll be making his college debut, if he goes out there before Ozaeta, it’s because he was clearly the better option. It’s worth a reminder that Fasusi and Fodje were also making their first college appearances this time last year.

The Sooners would definitely be better with Maikkula at center after starting there most of last season, but Fodje gives OU fans no need to worry.

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