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2 clusters · 5 sources · 1 days · First seen · Last updated

Oklahoma Sooners football personnel developments

Overview

The Oklahoma Sooners football program is managing several personnel changes and injuries as it prepares for the 2026 season and its transition into the SEC.

Center Jake Maikkula sustained a knee injury during a scrimmage, which was later diagnosed via MRI as a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL). While there was initial concern regarding his availability for the season, he is expected to be sidelined for approximately four to six weeks. Potential replacements for Maikkula include Caleb Nitta and Noah Best.

Additionally, the running back unit is undergoing leadership shifts. Junior Xavier Robinson, who is recovering from knee surgery and missed spring practice, is stepping into a leadership role to bolster a rushing attack that averaged 3.54 yards per carry last season. He will lead a group including sophomore Tory Blaylock and Lloyd Avant.

Entities

Jake Maikkula · Xavier Robinson · University of Oklahoma · Stanford University · John Mateer

Timeline

  1. 25 days ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Oklahoma Sooners football faces injuries and leadership shifts

    Oklahoma Sooners football faces injury concerns with center Jake Maikkula and looks to junior running back Xavier Robinson to lead the rushing attack into the 2026 SEC season.

  2. 26 days ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Jake Maikkula receives encouraging injury update for Oklahoma

    Oklahoma Sooners center Jake Maikkula is expected to miss 4-6 weeks due to a sprained MCL sustained during a recent scrimmage, providing relief after initial fears of a season-ending injury.

Sources

news9.com · newsday.com · pff.com · saturdaydownsouth.com · si.com