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Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners general manager of football Jim Nagy against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Oklahoma Sooners have one of the most underrated starting offensive lines in the country, and a big reason why is their center.
The Oklahoma Sooners are known for having an elite offensive line throughout their history, with Bill Bedenbaugh on the staff. However, in 2024, the offensive line was terrible. In 2025, it showed massive improvement. The 2026 season could be huge with elite players across the board.
We all know about Michael Fasusi, the former five-star recruit. Of course, Eddy Pierre-Louis and Ryan Fodje are great at the guard spots. And even some of the depth behind them, like Heath Ozaeta and Caleb Nitta. The Sooners went out and got a starting right tackle in the SEC in E'Marion Harris in the transfer portal.
All that to say, those guys are great and are being talked about more than the center, . And at the end of the season, we could be talking about Maikkula being one of the best centers in the country.
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"This guy's going to be one of the best centers in the country," Sooners GM Jim Nagy said at the Sooner Caravan in OKC.
Maikkula had a pass block grade of 81.1 per Pro Football Focus in 2025. In 408 pass block snaps, he allowed only seven total pressures in the SEC. Maikkula had a pass blocking efficiency rating of 98.8 and had no penalties called on him this last season. In a way, he had a very underrated year that no one talked about. Now, Nagy is expecting to get better.
This offensive line will be very similar to the one they had last season. For the most part, it’s all the same players outside of losing Derek Simmons and Febechi Nwaiwu. Three starters from last season will be the offensive line starters again; they are also being replaced by players with SEC starting experience. That kind of stability and consistency can really elevate a player’s second season in an offensive scheme. This could be a huge year for Miakkula.