Sooners former rival star player couldn’t help but compliment Oklahoma’s future elite position group
The Sooners are on the rise on the offensive line.
The Oklahoma Sooners were once famous for producing elite NFL offensive linemen, but that trend has faded in recent years.
Currently, San Francisco 49ers OL Trent Williams is recognized as the best left tackle in the league, and Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson is also considered the best at his position. There are other elite linemen in the NFL with Oklahoma roots, too. However, in recent seasons, no elite Oklahoma offensive lineman has entered the NFL draft. That could change in the coming years, and it’s not just OU media and fans who have noticed.
Recently, former Kansas Jayhawks and Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. tweeted, “This O Line in two years,” with fire emojis. He was referencing a photo of the offensive linemen committed to Oklahoma for the class of 2027: Cooper Hackett, Kaeden Penny, and Luke Wilson.
To get that kind of compliment from a former rival, and yes, they are rivals, as they have 114 total games played against one another, says a lot. Just think, the Sooners used to beat up on his team a lot, and beat Harris twice when he was at Kansas. He likely doesn’t like the team that used to win as much as OU did, and yet he’s throwing a pretty big compliment out. Then again, it’s not hard to see how good the offensive line is going to be.
Sooners’ old offensive line ways seem to be returning
For the 2026 season, OU appears to have its starting offensive line set: left tackle Michael Fasusi, followed by Eddy Pierre-Louis, Jake Maikkula, Ryan Fodje, and right tackle E’Marion Harris, a transfer portal addition. Fasusi and Fodje already increased their draft stock based on their performance last season, and Pierre-Louis improved his as well. These three could be selected in the NFL draft in the next few years.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, the Sooners have versatile linemen in Deacon Schmitt and Noah Best, who seem poised to earn roles quickly. The class of 2027 may be even more promising, much like the 2025 group. In 2027, five-star offensive tackle Cooper Hackett will join four-star Kaeden Penny and three-star Luke Wilson. All three have significant potential.
Of course, all this potential depends on development. Fortunately for the Sooners, they have one of the best offensive line coaches in the country, Bill Bedenbaugh, to guide these players.
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