Hickman, in particular, has been a steadying force for the retooled offensive line. The redshirt senior started 33 games at SMU, and his experience and quick integration have been pivotal in helping the group develop.

“He’s one of 13 guys on our roster on offense and defense and the kicking game that are making their first-time starts this week and for us here at this stadium," Venables said. "So really excited about Branson. The game is slow for him. He’s very technically sound. (He's) kind of like Jayden Jackson, because Jayden had this technical and fundamental strength to him, it’s allowed him to really transition quickly. For both of them, the only real barrier was the language barrier.

“(Hickman's a) bright guy that’s put the time in. The staff’s done a nice job with helping him. His teammates have done a nice job of helping him. Branson’s a guy that’s put the work in to put himself in this position both fundamentally — which he really excels at — and not be overwhelmed in anything you might see on any given line of scrimmage in college football.”

While the Sooners' starting group looks set for the season opener against Temple on Friday, there's still work to do. Venables made it clear that they want to have a deep rotation, particularly compared to last season. It wasn't a big rotation in 2023 — only seven offensive linemen logged at least 200 snaps last season, per Pro Football Focus, and only four played 600 or more.

The Sooners not only feel like they could play eight to 11 guys this year, but they know they've got to continue developing chemistry on the field.

"You've got to play a lot of guys, first of all, because we’ve got to continue to develop our team," Venables said. "That’s our focus. But you gotta earn that trust and that opportunity through your body of work, through spring, summer, fall camp, etc. We’ve got to develop every position group on the team. So hopefully we’ll be able to play more guys this year than we have in the past. That’s what our focus is, developing the entirety of the unit. And chemistry and cohesion is a very important thing.

"Hopefully you get to a position of game control, that you can work your guys together through a good majority of the game, where you see fit. Whether it’s a rotating basis, or the back half of the game you get some of your guys in game experience, too."

The offensive line will continue to be a question mark, particularly when the Sooners begin conference play in a few weeks. But if Venables is right about Bedenbaugh enjoying the group, there could be optimism that big things are in store for the offensive line.

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