NORMAN — Oklahoma’s latest SEC availability report provided an encouraging update on Heath Ozaeta, but questions remain elsewhere as the Sooners prepare to host South Carolina.
Ozaeta is listed as probable, supporting the optimism OUInsider reported earlier this week about the offensive guard’s potential return. Xavier Robinson also carries a probable designation.
Meanwhile, Peyton Bowen, Eli Bowen and Jake Maikkula are among the Sooners listed as questionable. Eddy Pierre-Louis and Ryan Fodje remain out, keeping Oklahoma’s offensive line depth in focus.
Ozaeta’s designation supports the encouraging practice reports
As OUInsider reported earlier this week, sources indicated Ozaeta had been participating fully in practice and working with the starting group at right guard.
His probable designation is another positive sign, though it does not guarantee he will play.
Ozaeta injured his ankle during pregame warmups before Texas, then played through it against the Longhorns. Getting him back would give Oklahoma another experienced option as the offense works to build on its performance at Mississippi State.
The Sooners totaled 467 yards in that win, including a season-high 184 rushing yards, with Michael Fasusi returning at left tackle.
But the line is still dealing with moving pieces.
Maikkula is questionable after leaving the Mississippi State game. Caleb Nitta stepped in and has earned praise from the coaching staff for his preparation and performance.
If Ozaeta returns and Nitta starts in Maikkula’s place, the projected lineup based on OUInsider’s earlier reporting would be:
- LT: Michael Fasusi
- LG: Noah Best
- C: Caleb Nitta
- RG: Heath Ozaeta
- RT: E’Marion Harris
That remains a projection. Maikkula’s availability and the staff’s lineup decisions could change the combination.
With Pierre-Louis and Fodje out, Fred Hinton’s questionable designation also matters for the depth behind that group.
Both Bowens listed as questionable
Peyton Bowen’s status is one of the most significant defensive entries on the report.
The safety is coming off a seven-tackle performance at Mississippi State that included an interception in the end zone. Oklahoma turned the ensuing possession into a field goal during its 23–15 win.
His questionable designation leaves his availability unresolved heading into the South Carolina matchup. The listing itself does not establish the nature or severity of an injury.
Eli Bowen is also questionable as he works toward returning from the ankle injury previously reported by OUInsider.
The Sooners will be without Dakoda Fields and Jacobe Johnson, both listed as out. That makes the remaining defensive back availability questions particularly important as Oklahoma prepares for South Carolina’s offense.
Robinson probable; Thomas doubtful
Robinson’s probable designation is another encouraging development for Oklahoma’s offense.
As OUInsider has reported, the running back has dealt with a persistent calf issue. His potential availability would give the Sooners another option in a backfield coming off its most productive rushing game of the season.
Again, probable signals an expectation of availability, rather than a guarantee of participation or a specific workload.
At receiver, Elijah Thomas is doubtful, while Trell Harris is out. Tight end Trynae Washington is also out.
Linebackers Taylor Heim and Cole Sullivan round out Oklahoma’s unavailable players.
The next report will provide another opportunity to track the questionable players and whether the encouraging outlook for Ozaeta and Robinson holds.
Oklahoma’s complete availability list
OUT
- LB #7 Taylor Heim
- DB #9 Dakoda Fields
- WR #11 Trell Harris
- LB #18 Cole Sullivan
- TE #22 Trynae Washington
- DB #24 Jacobe Johnson
- OL #55 Eddy Pierre-Louis
- OL #70 Ryan Fodje
DOUBTFUL
- WR #14 Elijah Thomas
QUESTIONABLE
- DB #22 Peyton Bowen
- DB #23 Eli Bowen
- OL #69 Jake Maikkula
- OL #72 Fred Hinton
PROBABLE
- RB #21 Xavier Robinson
- OL #77 Heath Ozaeta
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