Oklahoma Sooners football faces injuries and leadership shifts

Oklahoma Sooners college football SEC Xavier Robinson OU football

The Oklahoma Sooners football program is navigating various personnel developments as they prepare for the 2026 season and their transition into the SEC. Starting center Jake Maikkula recently suffered a lower-leg injury during a scrimmage, though reports indicate it is a sprain rather than a season-ending injury. Potential replacements include transfer Caleb Nitta and freshman Noah Best.

In the running back unit, junior Xavier Robinson is stepping into a leadership role after recovering from knee surgery. Robinson, who missed spring practice, aims to improve a rushing attack that averaged 3.54 yards per carry last season. He leads a group that includes sophomore Tory Blaylock and Lloyd Avant.

Entities

Jake Maikkula · John Mateer · Oklahoma Sooners · Xavier Robinson

Sources

OU Football: Four Sooners we think are flying under the radar [www.news9.com]

25 days ago

No. 10 Oklahoma has another stout defense and its QB back. The run game is a question mark [www.newsday.com]

25 days ago

Oklahoma RB Xavier Robinson Evolving as a Leader Heading Into Junior Year [www.si.com]

26 days ago