OL Ryan Fodje Committed to Doing Whatever It Takes to Make Oklahoma Better Up Front

NORMAN — Ryan Fodje is no stranger to change.

Last year, he broke out as a right tackle, but moved inside to right guard in the Sooners’ final two games of the season when Jake Maikkula’s injury reshuffled the line.

Oklahoma added Arkansas transfer E’Marion Harris in the winter to play right tackle, but that hasn’t stopped Fodje’s development at multiple spots.

He was taking reps at tackle during Tuesday’s practice viewing with fellow sophomore Michael Fasusi being held out, something that Fodje almost considers to be second nature.

“Whatever I've got to do, I've got to do it,” Fodje said on Tuesday. “I know it's hard. I know football's hard. Life is hard. Everything is hard in life. But I've just got to do what I've got to do to make the team successful.”

Fodje said he’d play anywhere on the offensive line if needed, as he’s someone who has embraced competition this offseason.

He got thrown into the fire a year ago, something he acknowledges but believes will prepare him for success in 2026.

“I feel like starting as a true freshman in the SEC at the offensive line is extremely rare. I feel like most people would go out there and play nervous, play scared. Yeah, I had some plays where I didn’t want that to happen, but I just treat it like the game is practice.

“… So as a true freshman, I didn't know what to expect. But we drilled it in practice. We had good practice habits and I feel like going into my second year, (I’m) building on that situation.”

Part of his growth is credited to some tweaks in scheme and technique throughout the offseason, Fodje said.

“We’ve been moving people, coming off the ball, ID’ing things better,” he said.

Even if everyone stays healthy, Fodje is in constant competition.

Eddy Pierre-Louis and Heath Ozaeta both returned, meaning only two of the trio can start at guard.

Fodje has seen growth in Ozaeta, too, and he believes they’ve both benefitted by pushing each other.

“It’s been incredible,” Fodje said. “Me and him, we work every day. But at the same time, we’re just trying to get the best five out there. Just working every day, working with each other and helping each other.”

Regardless of how the offensive line battles shake out, Fodje has faith his unit will enjoy a much better season this fall.

“We got a lot of experience coming back,” he said. “(We have) confidence with one another.”

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