It looks like Michigan would catch a bit of a break before the season even began with a few injuries to Oklahoma's offensive line, setting up what could have been a big day for the Wolverines' defensive line. Instead, the Sooners got the break, getting their guys back healthy at the perfect time.
Roughly four weeks ago, Oklahoma center Jake Maikkula went down with a knee injury that was expected to keep him out for four to six weeks. Well, he worked his way back in the lower end of that time, returning just in time for the Michigan matchup, according to a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel.
Sources: Oklahoma starting center Jake Maikkula (knee) will return and start for the Sooners at center at Michigan this week. His return means that true freshman Noah Best, who started last week at center, will kick over right guard. Starting LT Michale Fasusi (shoulder) will… pic.twitter.com/gSfdDTAwlE
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 11, 2026
Oklahoma didn't receive all good news, though, as left tackle Michael Fasusi will miss the game due to a shoulder injury he re-aggravated in Week 1. He will most likely be replaced by Ryan Fodje, who will also return for the Sooners after missing Week 1 due to a lower-body injury. Noah Best, who made the start at center in Week 1, will slide into the right guard position.
So, the Sooners won't be fully healthy, but they are healthier than expected heading into the matchup with Michigan, forcing the Wolverines to change their game plan.
Jake Maikkula's return completely changes the game plan for Michigan
Facing a fifth-year senior with lots of experience at the center position is very different than facing a younger, less experienced player at the position. So, Oklahoma getting Maikkula makes a huge difference for the Wolverines as they game plan defensively going into the matchup with the Sooners.
With a potentially weaker and less experienced offensive line, Michigan could probably have had success pinning their ears back and completely bull-rushing the quarterback. Now, with Maikkula and Fodje back, defensive coordinator Jay Hill will have to get more creative with his pass rush.
This is rough timing for this news to come out, because Michigan only has a day to change the game plan. There was always a possibility of Maikkula returning for the Sooners this soon, so hopefully Hill was smart enough to include that in his plan for Oklahoma.
Michigan's defensive line struggled to get to the quarterback in Week 1 vs. Western Michigan, and now, facing a very veteran offensive line - except for Best at right guard - it won't be any easier. Players like Dom Nichols and Nate Marshall highlighted a strong performance for Michigan's defense with a combined two sacks and three tackles for a loss.
Both guys could be called upon again this week, but Utah transfer John Henry Daley, who only had three total tackles against the Broncos, needs to make more of an impact against the Sooners. It could be another long day for the Michigan offense, so the defense will probably need another strong performance to keep this game in hand.
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