A 6-7 record. Just two SEC wins. And a fan base running out of patience. Brent Venables hit rock bottom in 2024 as Oklahoma stumbled through its first season in the nation’s toughest conference, finishing 13th in the SEC. His former QB Jackson Arnold scampered off to Auburn after becoming one of the most battered up QBs of the season with 34 sacks. Now, with the heat cranked up in Norman, Venables needs a game changer. And there’s one player in the 2025 lineup that might just be the answer to OU’s offensive line disaster.
Oklahoma’s struggles weren’t just about adjusting to SEC plays — the Sooners’ O-line was flat-out bad. This is where 5-star OT Michael Fasusi comes in. 247Sports’ Chris Hummer and Andrew Ivins joined Emily Proud on a new episode of The Ultimate CFB Show on February 13 to show why the 6’5, 299-pounder might be the game changer. “Michael Fasusi still got some growing to do once he gets to campus,” Hummer put bluntly. “He’s got all the athletic tools possible but he’s not as ready-made as maybe one or two other guys in this class on this list. But given Oklahoma’s need at the position, they’re one of the worst offensive lines in the Power 4 last year. Everybody talked about their lack of receiver help but part of the problem for Jackson Arnold is just he couldn’t stay up and stay healthy all year because of the people blocking in front of him.”
OU’s O-line was a mess in 2024. They allowed a total of 50 sacks, breaking the 41 sack record in 2015. It was an inconsistent lineup featuring eight different O-line combinations that led to their downfall. The lack of protection put Arnold under pressure that eventually saw him hit the bench midseason. He completed 154 of 246 passes for 1,421 yards and 12 touchdowns over 10 games with an additional 444 yards on the ground and three rushing TDs. But with the nation’s No. 1 OT stepping in this season, there’s hope that Washington State transfer John Mateer will fare better than Arnold.
Michael Fasusi, who’s also the nation’s No. 8 overall prospect and the No. 5 player in Texas, is an expected starter. As Hummer pointed out, “Michael Fasusi is immediately the most talented offensive lineman in that room for Oklahoma. He’s somebody they’ve invested huge and to win over a recruiting battle with Texas and Texas A&M and that’s a guy who eventually has to play for Oklahoma. Maybe he doesn’t start right away. But I’d expect him to be part of the offensive lineup eventually by the season’s end.” Brent Venables was able to retain his commitment despite falling so low this past season along with offers from his native state Texas. So, a starting nod is inevitable. Even Andrew Ivins is all in on this player whom he feels has “the highest ceiling of all those offensive linemen there in Norman.”
Michael Fasusi’s UA All-America performance gets love
Andrew Ivins is more about the eye test. If Michael Fasusi’s UA All-America performance was any indication, Oklahoma fans have plenty to be excited about. “We saw him at the Under-Armour All-America game practices for that event,” Hummer said. “I thought he was excellent in the run game. Normally, when you have these big freak athletes, they’re better in pass stats than run stats. That’s not the case for Michael Fasusi and I think that’s extremely encouraging.”
Michael Fasusi immediately turned heads, showing off elite run-blocking ability that most young tackles lack. By Day 2, he was already the talk of the town with his incredible athleticism. And he’s already fitting in the Sooners’ culture with the signature “horns down.” But while he brings hope, the pressure on Venables hasn’t faded. CFB analyst Paul Finebaum’s disillusionment is apparent when he told the world he “wouldn’t press [his] luck with another one.”
The last thing Brent Venables needs is the past creeping back up on him. His seat is scorching, the pressure is mounting, and another disastrous season could seal his fate. What’s left to see is if Michael Fasusi’s arrival will bring a positive transformation.
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