High school football recruiting is a soap opera for the gridiron faithful, filled with plot twists, dramatic exits, and unexpected loyalty. Oklahoma Sooners and head coach Brent Venables, in particular, have been riding an emotional rollercoaster lately. But even in a sea of turmoil with all the decommitments, transfer portal chaos, coaching shakeups, and that disappointing 6-7 season, there’s a glimmer of hope for the program. And that’s Michael Fasusi, the five-star offensive tackle who stayed true to his word.

What makes Fasusi’s commitment so special is his unwavering loyalty. Despite swirling rumors of flips to Texas or Texas A&M, Fasusi inked his name on the dotted line for Oklahoma on December 4, just months after commemorating his family’s fifth anniversary in Lewisville. But sometimes you just can’t predict what’s in people’s minds.

Nate Gravender’s Instagram post about his sighing didn’t go as expected, with the caption, “Oklahoma has an absolute gem in 5🌟OT Michael Fasusi.” The OU fans certainly didn’t like the 5-stars as they looked.

Michael Fasusi isn’t just another name in a stacked 2024 recruiting class; he’s the linchpin of Oklahoma’s future. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-5 and weighing 295 pounds, the Lewisville High School standout has prototype physical specs for a high-end offensive tackle prospect who could possibly play either side. Ranked as the No. 2 offensive tackle and the 13th overall prospect in the nation by 247Sports, Fasusi brings the kind of pedigree that any college football program would salivate over.

At the UA All-American practice camp, Fasusi’s dominance has been the talk of the town. By Day 2, media outlets were buzzing, calling him the best performer on the field. His technique, footwork, and raw power left seasoned analysts in awe. As he walked off the field that day, he couldn’t resist flashing the Sooners’ favorite hand gesture—the iconic “horns down.” It was a not-so-subtle reminder that he’s already fitting in with Oklahoma’s culture.

But let’s not overlook what truly sets Fasusi apart: his story. Growing up in Texas, his decision to stick with the Sooners speaks volumes about his character. In an era where NIL deals and flashy pitches often sway young athletes, Fasusi chose loyalty over allure. And for Oklahoma, that’s priceless.

Michael Fasusi, a mixed bag of cheers and jeers

You’d think securing a 5-Star talent like Michael Fasusi would send Sooners fans into a frenzy of joy. Wrong. The comment section told a different story. Under the Instagram post by Recruit Access, a wave of skepticism crashed the party.

The first jab came disguised as humor: “Gem, and he’s a 5-star? 😭” While the sarcasm was clear, it’s tough to ignore the underlying question—are fans underestimating Fasusi’s potential just because he’s not the flashiest recruit? Fasusi’s performance in camps and practices suggests that he’s anything but overrated.

Another fan chimed in with, “Bill not starting a freshman.” This reference to the Sooners’ offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh reflects a common sentiment in college football: that even five-star recruits must bide their time. But with Fasusi’s exceptional talent, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him break that norm.

Then came the burn: “Kid wouldn’t have started at Texas 😂.” Rivalry trash talk is as old as the game itself, but this comment dismisses Fasusi’s capabilities without acknowledging his accolades. If his UA All-American camp performance is any indication, he has all the tools to start anywhere in the country—including Texas.

Finally, the most cynical take: “Portal fs.” This insinuates that Fasusi might leave Oklahoma down the line, reflecting the growing mistrust fans have developed due to the transfer portal’s impact on modern recruiting. While it’s true the portal has reshaped college football, Fasusi’s steadfast loyalty so far offers no reason to doubt his commitment.

Sooner Nation may not fully appreciate Fasusi just yet, but once he steps onto the field and starts bulldozing defenders, even the harshest critics will have to admit: this five-star offensive tackle isn’t just a gem—he’s a diamond in the rough, waiting to shine.