The Oklahoma Sooners' offense is dealing with a couple of players who are banged up along the offensive line. Michael Fasusi and Heath Ozaeta's absences from practice on Tuesday aren't considered to be significant or long-term, but it provided an opportunity for the Sooners to show off their depth and position flexibility. Ryan Fodje, who is projected to start at right guard for the Sooners this season, instead took first-team reps at left tackle with Michael Fasusi out. With Fodje flipping to the left side, that provided an opportunity for true freshman Noah Best to step in with the starting offensive line group. In his second year with the program, Fodje has become indispensable for the team after starting six games at both right guard and right tackle as a true freshman. His ability to play multiple positions will be incredibly valuable for the Sooners this season. Fodje was a top 10 offensive tackle in the 2025 recruiting class and showed elite potential coming out of high school. Though he didn't have much experience at guard, he proved capable of helping the Sooners there last year and looks to be the frontrunner to start at guard again in 2026. But if the Sooners suffer an injury at either tackle position, Fodje is the answer. He told the media the other day that he'd play center for the Sooners if it meant helping the football team. Because teams can't stack depth in the transfer portal and name, image, and likeness era, it's become vital to have players like Fodje, and last year, like Febechi Nwaiwu, who can start at multiple positions for your offensive line. That makes the former four-star prospect one of the most valuable players on the roster.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Sooners offensive lineman proving valuable in versatility