After stumbling to a 6–7 record in 2024, much of the blame for Oklahoma’s down year fell on its inability to consistently run the football. A team that’s long prided itself on physicality and balanced offense finished 76th nationally and 11th in the SEC in rushing yards, a shocking drop-off for a program used to producing 1,000-yard rushers and explosive ground games. But with the 2025 season approaching, the outlook in Norman has shifted dramatically—and it starts with the running back room.
This year, Oklahoma enters fall camp with arguably its deepest and most talented backfield since the Lincoln Riley era. The catalyst? The arrival of former Cal star Jaydn Ott, a graduate transfer with proven production at the Power Four level and the kind of all-purpose ability that has NFL scouts paying attention.
Ott, a two-time All-Pac-12 selection, rushed for 897 yards as a freshman and 1,315 yards as a sophomore, averaging 5.3 yards per carry and scoring 25 total touchdowns across his three-year stint with the Golden Bears. But after suffering an ankle injury in the 2024 opener, his junior season never materialized the way he’d hoped. With NFL aspirations delayed, Ott opted to reset in Norman—and if spring reports are accurate, he’s healthy and ready to lead.
And that’s exactly what Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables and running backs coach DeMarco Murray needed: a featured back who can both carry the load and lead a room that’s been in constant flux the past two years.
Last season, five different Sooners recorded at least 20 carries. That carousel wasn’t by design—it was a byproduct of repeated injuries, offensive inconsistency, and a lack of continuity in the run game. Now, with Ott projected to be the clear No. 1, the rest of the rotation can settle into more defined and productive roles.
Behind Ott, senior Jovantae Barnes returns after leading the team in carries (122) and rushing yards (577) before suffering a season-ending ankle injury late last fall. Barnes had flashes of brilliance—his 203-yard, 3-touchdown explosion against Maine showed what he’s capable of when healthy. If he can stay on the field in 2025, Barnes will be a vital complementary piece in Arbuckle’s offense, which leans on tempo and balance.
Then there’s Xavier Robinson, the bruising sophomore from Oklahoma City who stepped in late last year and quickly made a name for himself. After barely seeing the field until November, Robinson made the most of his opportunities—most notably his 107-yard, 2-touchdown performance against Alabama, where he also added 20 yards receiving. At 6-foot, 226 pounds, Robinson brings the kind of downhill power and short-yardage reliability that could be essential in red-zone and clock-control situations.
Also returning is Taylor Tatum, the No. 1 high school running back prospect in the nation for the class of 2024 and a two-sport athlete who also plays baseball for OU. Tatum gained 278 yards on 56 carries as a true freshman but struggled in two key areas: ball security and pass protection. With a full offseason to improve those fundamentals, Tatum could emerge as a lightning-fast third-down option and rotational back capable of breaking big plays.
The wildcard in this loaded backfield? True freshman Tory Blaylock, a four-star recruit from Texas with elite speed and an impressive spring camp under his belt. Blaylock rushed for 1,262 yards and 26 touchdowns as a high school senior and was part of the national-record-setting 4×100 relay team at Atascocita High. While he may not be needed early due to the veteran depth ahead of him, Blaylock could force his way into the rotation if injuries occur or big-play production is lacking.
While the departure of Gavin Sawchuk (now at Florida State) and Sam Franklin (South Florida) thinned the room a bit, their exits also clarified the picture for DeMarco Murray. For the first time in his tenure as running backs coach, Murray might enter a season with both a clear-cut starter and a well-defined pecking order behind him.
The scheme change should help as well. New offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, known for his Air Raid background, runs a more modern variation that values running back versatility. Ott, with 71 career receptions, fits that mold perfectly. So does Barnes, who has shown capable hands (37 career receptions), and even Tatum and Robinson have flashed as receivers in limited action.
But as promising as the depth chart looks on paper, everything still hinges on health. Oklahoma’s 2024 backfield was decimated by injuries, and if those issues resurface, even the best-laid plans could unravel. That said, the current rotation gives OU more margin for error than it had a year ago—and arguably more upside, too.
There are also some x-factors worth monitoring: walk-on Andy Bass, a dynamic local athlete plagued by knee injuries the past two seasons, is a name that still pops up around the program. If he’s healthy, Bass could contribute as a change-of-pace weapon. Gabe Sawchuk, the younger brother of Gavin, is also in the mix.
Ultimately, Oklahoma’s run game in 2025 might be defined not by a single superstar, but by its collective depth, balance, and role clarity—something sorely lacking a year ago. If Ott can return to his 2023 form, Barnes stays on the field, and Robinson and Tatum continue their development, this group could push the Sooners back into SEC contention.
For the first time in a long time, OU’s backfield feels stable, talented, and potentially elite. After a season of chaos and inconsistency, that alone is a massive win.
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