Ben Arbuckle Praises Oklahoma’s Offensive Line for Spring Performance

As spring football winds down and programs around the country prepare for summer workouts, Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle has nothing but praise for one of the most crucial components of his offense: the Sooners’ offensive line.

In what has been a transformative offseason under new head coach Brent Venables, Arbuckle’s input on the offense has been crucial to reestablishing a physical identity in Norman. And based on spring practices and scrimmages, it appears Oklahoma’s offensive line is ready to serve as the foundation of a resurgent 2025 campaign.

Building the Trenches

“They’ve exceeded expectations,” Arbuckle said of the offensive line following the team’s second spring scrimmage. “From communication to footwork to finishing plays, they’ve set the tone for what we want this offense to be.”

The Sooners entered the spring with question marks across the line following the departure of key veterans and a shaky finish to the 2024 season. But rather than a weakness, the offensive line has emerged as a strength.

Player Development and Leadership

Arbuckle credited the leadership of returning veterans like center Jake Taylor and left tackle Jacob Sexton for stabilizing the unit.

“Jake’s like having another coach on the field,” Arbuckle noted. “He sees things before they happen and gets everyone on the same page. That’s invaluable, especially with so many young guys stepping into bigger roles.”

Sexton, who missed part of last season due to injury, has returned with renewed intensity. His ability to anchor the blind side has given Arbuckle the confidence to open up the playbook.

“He’s stronger, quicker, and more vocal. It’s exactly what we needed,” Arbuckle added.

New Faces, Big Impact

The Sooners’ offensive line isn’t just benefiting from its veterans. Young players and newcomers have made a significant impact. Redshirt freshman guard Isaiah Autry has turned heads with his physicality and maturity, earning first-team reps early in camp.

“Autry’s got the tools,” said Arbuckle. “His punch, his leverage, his IQ—he’s going to be special.”

Transfer additions, including a key pickup from the SEC in right tackle Myles Franks, have also infused experience and competition.

“Myles came in ready to work,” offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh said. “He brings that edge, and it’s contagious.”

Scheme Fit and Philosophy

Arbuckle’s offensive philosophy, rooted in tempo and misdirection, places a premium on linemen who can move laterally and think quickly.

“You’ve got to be athletic and smart to play in this system,” he explained. “We’re not just asking these guys to block—we’re asking them to set the tempo, dictate the defense, and be the engine of this team.”

That philosophy has already led to improved synergy in practice. Arbuckle noted that the offensive line’s ability to communicate pre-snap has allowed the Sooners to operate at a faster pace without sacrificing execution.

“We’re playing fast, but we’re also playing clean,” he said. “That’s a testament to their preparation and understanding.”

Chemistry and Confidence

Perhaps most encouraging for the Sooners is the chemistry the offensive line has built in just a few short months.

“It’s rare to see this kind of bond this early,” Arbuckle observed. “They hang out off the field, they study together, and you can see that translate in their play.”

The unit’s cohesion was on full display in Oklahoma’s spring game, where the offense racked up over 450 total yards without allowing a single sack. While Arbuckle stressed the importance of not reading too much into one scrimmage, he acknowledged it was a sign of progress.

“Everything starts up front,” he said. “If we can protect and establish the run, the rest will take care of itself.”

Position Battles and Depth

Despite the praise, Arbuckle and Bedenbaugh haven’t handed out any starting spots yet. The competition remains fierce across the line, with several underclassmen pushing for playing time.

Sophomore tackle Cayden Green and junior guard Troy Everett have each made compelling cases during spring drills.

“Competition brings out the best in everyone,” Bedenbaugh said. “We’ve got eight, maybe nine guys who could start. That’s a good problem to have.”

This depth could prove vital as the Sooners navigate a grueling SEC schedule in 2025. With matchups against Alabama, Georgia, and LSU on the docket, a dominant and durable offensive line could be the difference between contending and collapsing.

Impact on Quarterback Development

One of the biggest beneficiaries of the offensive line’s performance has been Oklahoma’s quarterbacks. With the departure of Dillon Gabriel, the Sooners are turning the page at the position, with redshirt sophomore Jackson Arnold and true freshman Maddox McKinney vying for the starting role.

Arbuckle emphasized how a strong offensive line is accelerating their development.

“Quarterbacks need confidence, and that starts with protection,” he said. “Our line gives them time to go through reads, stand tall in the pocket, and make the right decisions.”

Arnold, a former five-star recruit, has been sharp in spring action, and much of that can be attributed to the clean pockets he’s been afforded.

The Bigger Picture

Beyond this season, Arbuckle sees the progress of the offensive line as foundational to Oklahoma’s long-term identity in the SEC.

“You win in the trenches in this league,” he said. “If we want to be in Atlanta in December and in the playoff conversation, this group has to keep growing. But I like where we’re headed.”

That belief is shared by Venables, who has stressed toughness and physicality since arriving in Norman.

“You can’t fake toughness,” Venables said. “You build it, and it starts with the O-line. These guys have bought in.”

Fan and Media Reactions

Sooner Nation has taken notice. Social media is buzzing with highlights of pancake blocks, pull traps, and long touchdown runs sprung by the line. Beat writers and analysts covering Oklahoma have echoed Arbuckle’s praise, calling the offensive line “the most improved unit” this spring.

Former Sooner greats like Lane Johnson and Trent Williams have even weighed in. “Love what I’m seeing from the big boys in Norman,” Johnson tweeted. “Setting the tone.”

Looking Ahead

As Oklahoma wraps up spring and heads into summer, the expectations will only grow. The offensive line has set a high standard, and maintaining that level of performance will be key.

“There’s still work to do,” Arbuckle admitted. “But if these guys stay hungry and keep pushing each other, we’re going to be a tough team to beat.”

In a league known for trench warfare, Oklahoma’s offensive line is starting to look like a unit capable of battling with the best.

And that’s music to the ears of Ben Arbuckle—and a warning shot to the rest of the SEC.