Skip to main content
Oklahoma

OU vs Ole Miss availability report (Friday)

headshotby: George Stoia11 hours agoGeorgeStoia
Syndication: The Oklahoman
Oklahoma's John Mateer catches a snap as Derek Simmons blocks during the University of Oklahoma Sooners Crimson Combine at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, April, 12, 2025.

OU will be without its starting right tackle this Saturday against No. 8 Ole Miss.

Derek Simmons is officially out, according to Friday’s availability report. This is a surprise given Simmons not only played in Saturday’s game against South Carolina, but also participated in media interviews on Monday. According to SoonerScoop sources, Simmons suffered a concussion in practice this week, which is why his status is questionable.

This would be the second concussion Simmons has had while at OU. He also had one during fall camp, which forced him to miss the season opener versus Illinois State. Simmons also has a history of concussions going back to his time at Western Carolina.

If Simmons cannot play on Saturday, OU has several options. Stanford transfer Luke Baklenko would be the presumed starter. It would mark Baklenko’s first start this season at right tackle. He did play the majority of the season opener against Illinois State at left tackle. He also played the majority of the Texas game after Simmons suffered a sprained ankle in the first quarter.

Fodje getting opportunity at right tackle?

But according to SoonerScoop sources, true freshman Ryan Fodje has gotten many of the first-team reps at right tackle this week in practice and could make his first career start on Saturday. Fodje has primarily played guard this season. But the Sooners are thin at offensive tackle, forcing him to move outside.

Jacob Sexton and Jake Taylor have been listed as out on the availability report all season. Sexton started the season opener, but played only six snaps after suffering a knee injury. Taylor has not played a single snap this season.

In addition to those two, Logan Howland is also currently injured with a sprained ankle. He has made three starts this season and has played 221 snaps. After being upgraded to probable on Thursday’s availability report, Howland’s name was not included on Friday’s report. He will be available on Saturday.

Safe to say, OU can’t afford any more injuries up front. Below is the full availability report.

  • OL Derek Simmons: Out
  • DB Gentry Williams: Doubtful
  • RB Jovantae Barnes: Doubtful
  • WR Keontez Lewis: Doubtful
  • OL Troy Everett: Out
  • OL Jacob Sexton: Out
  • OL Jake Taylor: Out

You may also like