Former Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman abuzz about rising starter set to take over his former position
Former Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Febechi Nwaiwu called Heath Ozaeta a player to watch for Sooners next season.
The Oklahoma Sooners had a strong season from right guard Febechi Nwaiwu in 2025. A transfer from North Texas ahead of the 2024 season, Nwaiwu was arguably their most improved player on the team, as he allowed just two pressures all season long.
Nwaiwu is the only starter from Oklahoma’s primary offensive line group not returning for next season, opening up the spot at right guard. However, when I caught up with Nwaiwu at the East-West Shrine Bowl over the weekend, he had one name in mind that he believed was ready to assume the mantle he left behind.
Sooners’ replacement ready to take over starting spot
During my interview with Nwaiwu, I asked him about some players that Oklahoma fans might not be familiar with, who he felt were primed for a breakout season next year. Last year at the Shrine Bowl, Ethan Downs immediately pointed out Taylor Wein as his player to watch (a great call on his part). For Nwaiwu? Heath Ozaeta.
“Heath Ozaeta,” Nwaiwu said. “He played a couple games this year, he’s a guy ready to go. He’s a lock on the offensive line. Him and Jake Maikkula, when he comes back, are gonna be rocks in the middle.”
Heath Ozaeta ready to roll for Sooners in 2026
Ozaeta should be a familiar name for many Oklahoma fans. He’s started 15 games for the Sooners in 2024 and 2025 combined, and entered the season as the starting left guard. However, he got banged up in the middle of the season, and backup Eddy Pierre-Louis stepped up and delivered in his absence, and Ozaeta took a backseat to Pierre-Louis at the end of the season.
With Nwaiwu off to the NFL, however, the right guard spot is open, and it now seems confirmed that Ozaeta is the lock to start in his stead. Sources around the program have told me prior that Ozaeta was the assumed starter there for next season, but the Sooners will obviously not officially report that anytime soon.
Thus, all five starting offensive linemen for Oklahoma will return with over 500 snaps across their career, giving them their most returning production since 2016-17 to help keep John Mateer upright.
Additionally, this will be the first time in Ozaeta’s career he will participate in a full offseason of work after reporting in June his first season and then suffering an injury in the Armed Forces Bowl heading into this past season.
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