Oklahoma’s 2026 season opener against UTEP is only days away, but several important availability questions remain as Brent Venables and the Sooners prepare to take the field.
In the inaugural OUInsider Wednesday Wrap-Up, Brandon Drumm breaks down the latest information surrounding offensive linemen Jake Maikkula and Ryan Fodje, along with wide receiver Parker Livingstone.
Maikkula continues progressing from the knee injury that interrupted his preseason preparation. While he has returned to work, Oklahoma’s highly anticipated Week 2 trip to Michigan remains the target date discussed on OUInsider for some time — podcasts and site. Whether that is reached is going to be determined how this next seven days goes for the Sooners OL.
Fodje’s situation has created another important question along an offensive line that entered the week with encouraging momentum. Drumm explains what he has heard from multiple sources, why there had been some optimism surrounding Fodje and why he remained cautious about expecting the sophomore center to play against UTEP. Again, Drumm just going off gut, but providing direct intel from sources he has spoken with.
Livingstone’s situation is different. The talented receiver entered concussion protocol after hitting his head while attempting to make a catch. With three ranked opponents awaiting Oklahoma during its first five games, the Sooners have every reason to prioritize his long-term health.
The episode also dives deeply into several developing recruiting stories.
Oklahoma continues building momentum with 2028 four-star linebacker Jay Schell ahead of his upcoming visit to Norman. Schell’s lifelong connections to Clemson make this one of the most fascinating recruitments in the class, but his also longstanding relationship with Venables and the numerous former Clemson players and coaches now at OU give the Sooners a compelling pitch. How compelling is what is discussed on the podcast.
Drumm also discusses five-star defensive lineman Kellan Hall’s upcoming return to Oklahoma, the threat posed by his home-state Kentucky program and how NIL could ultimately influence the recruitment.
Finally, could Oklahoma make another run at four-star Texas Tech commit Gideon Gash? The Sooners have continued pushing, and a strong start—particularly a potential victory at Michigan—could introduce another interesting variable.
Watch the complete Wednesday Wrap-Up for the latest team and recruiting developments surrounding Oklahoma.
CHAPTERS:
0:00 Welcome to the OUInsider Midweek Wrap-Up
0:32 Latest Oklahoma injury news before UTEP
1:15 Jake Maikkula’s progress and potential return
2:35 The latest on Ryan Fodje
4:36 Parker Livingstone’s status
5:29 Why OU must protect its roster early
6:36 Latest Oklahoma recruiting developments
6:38 Is OU trending for four-star LB Jay Schell?
8:15 The Clemson connections OU must overcome
9:10 Why Schell’s decision involves more than staying home
11:18 Could movement follow Schell’s Oklahoma visit?
11:51 Five-star DL Kellan Hall sets his return to Norman
12:45 Why Kentucky could be OU’s biggest threat
14:03 How NIL could affect Hall’s recruitment
16:10 Oklahoma’s loaded 2028 defensive-line board
16:41 Sooners continue pursuing Gideon Gash
17:13 Could an OU win at Michigan create recruiting momentum?
18:16 NIL versus development and championship opportunities
21:14 Why Gash could fit Oklahoma’s Cheetah position
21:34 What Brandon wants to see against UTEP
22:12 The interesting history between Oklahoma and UTEP
22:48 What’s coming next from OUInsider
24:20 New Sooners roster intel at OUInsider.com
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