Breaking: Three Key Questions Offensive Line Oklahoma’s Training ….read more.

Oklahoma will kick off its preseason training camp next week, and the Sooners have several critical questions to address throughout August.

In this series, Sooners on SI will explore some of these key issues ahead of camp.

First up is the offensive line, where all five starting positions need to be filled.

How will the new portal additions impact the lineup?

Offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh has been busy this offseason, utilizing the NCAA Transfer Portal to secure five Division I transfers before May. This could potentially result in transfers filling all five offensive line spots.

Here’s a look at the new additions: Spencer Brown, who started 24 games at right tackle for Michigan State over the past three years; Geirean Hatchett, who started four games at guard last year for CFP runner-up Washington; Michael Tarquin, who started 20 games at tackle for Florida and eight at USC; Febechi Nwaiwu, who started 20 games at guard for North Texas; and Branson Hickman, who started 33 games at center for SMU over the last three seasons.

The expectation is that Hickman, a two-time All-AAC honoree, will take over at center this season, potentially transitioning the role to redshirt freshman Joshua Bates next year. Hickman, who joined OU after the Sooners’ annual spring scrimmage, is seen as a strong candidate to anchor the line, while Bates is still developing and may benefit from more experience before taking on the starting role.