The transfer portal hasn’t officially opened yet, but make no mistake — the race for Caleb Hawkins has already begun behind the scenes.
North Texas’ breakout running back, a true freshman All-American who rewrote record books in 2025, is expected to be one of the most sought-after offensive players in the entire portal cycle when the window opens on January 2, 2026. And from everything being whispered across the region, Oklahoma is very much in the hunt.
This isn’t smoke without fire. Hawkins checks nearly every box the Sooners have quietly prioritized since entering the SEC — and that’s why his name continues to surface in Oklahoma circles.
What We Know About Caleb Hawkins
Let’s start with the facts before we get to the rumors.
Hawkins isn’t just productive — he was historically productive.
In 2025, Hawkins finished with:
- 1,804 total yards from scrimmage
- 1,400+ rushing yards
- 29 total touchdowns, setting an FBS freshman record
- A steady, 20-carry-per-game workload
- Minimal durability concerns despite being the focal point of the offense
That kind of output doesn’t happen by accident, even at the Group of Five level. North Texas built its offense around Hawkins, defenses keyed on him weekly, and he still punished stacked boxes with patience, balance, and finishing power.
Multiple personnel evaluators have privately described him as “SEC-ready,” not because of straight-line speed, but because of how he runs.
What Kind of Back Is Hawkins, Really?
This is where Hawkins separates himself from the typical portal running back.
He’s not a gadget player.
He’s not a change-of-pace option.
He’s not a one-dimensional home-run hitter.
Hawkins is a true bell-cow.
At roughly 210 pounds with a powerful lower half, he thrives between the tackles. His best traits include:
- Elite contact balance
- Advanced vision for his age
- A natural feel for cutback lanes
- Strong finishing ability at the second level
He runs with economy — rarely wasted steps, rarely dancing behind the line. Coaches love backs who make the correct read and get north-south quickly. Hawkins does that consistently.
That’s why scouts see him as a clean projection upward, not a player who needs his production “translated.”
Why Oklahoma Is Paying Attention
Here’s where things get interesting.
Oklahoma’s 2025 rushing attack lacked definition. The Sooners rotated backs, searched for answers, and never quite found a true closer — someone who could:
- Salt away games in the fourth quarter
- Keep the offense on schedule
- Protect the quarterback late in tight SEC contests
Internally, Oklahoma’s staff knows this. And they also know the SEC punishes indecision in the run game.
Hawkins solves multiple problems at once.
Scheme Fit at Oklahoma
In Oklahoma’s offense, Hawkins would:
- Immediately become the early-down anchor
- Improve play-action effectiveness
- Allow OU to stay ahead of the chains
- Reduce pressure on the passing game in hostile road environments
His ability to handle volume matters. In the SEC, depth is important — but reliability is everything. Coaches trust backs who don’t bust assignments, who pick up the correct gap, and who fall forward.
Hawkins checks those boxes.
And quietly, his pass-game value has impressed evaluators more than public stats suggest. He’s comfortable catching screens, swings, and check-downs — exactly what Oklahoma needs to keep linebackers honest.
The Recruiting Angle: Why OU Makes Sense for Hawkins
There’s also a regional logic at play.
Hawkins is from Shawnee, Oklahoma, and sources familiar with his recruitment say geography is not irrelevant. While NIL will matter — it always does — comfort, exposure, and opportunity are just as important.
Oklahoma can pitch:
- Immediate relevance in the SEC
- National exposure every week
- A clear path to NFL evaluation
- A featured role, not a committee
That last point matters. Hawkins didn’t leave North Texas to split carries. He left to level up.
The Competition: Who Else Is Involved?
This is not an Oklahoma-only battle.
Early rumblings point to three primary programs as the most serious contenders:
Oklahoma State
This is the wildcard.
The Cowboys recently hired Eric Morris — Hawkins’ former head coach at North Texas — along with running backs coach Patrick Cobbs. Familiarity with the system, staff trust, and proximity to home make OSU a real factor.
Insiders say Oklahoma State is pitching comfort and continuity.
Texas
Texas is the other heavyweight.
The Longhorns are facing major attrition at running back, with multiple players expected to exit. That creates immediate opportunity, and Texas has the NIL infrastructure to compete with anyone.
The pitch there is simple: featured role, elite resources, and a proven NFL pipeline.
Oklahoma
What Oklahoma offers is different.
OU is selling structure and upward trajectory — a chance to be the tone-setter in an SEC offense that wants to regain physical identity. Hawkins wouldn’t just be another piece; he’d be a statement addition.
Why This Recruitment Feels Different
Portal recruitment is usually loud. This one has been relatively quiet.
That’s often a sign that:
- Early groundwork has already been laid
- Staffs are waiting for the window to officially open
- Decisions may come faster than expected
Multiple sources believe Hawkins won’t drag this out long once visits begin.
The Insider Take
Here’s the read from those close to the situation:
If Oklahoma prioritizes Hawkins — truly prioritizes him — the Sooners will be right there until the end. He fits what they need, how they want to play, and where they’re trying to go in the SEC.
This is not about splash.
It’s about stability.
Hawkins isn’t a luxury add. He’s a foundational one.
And if Oklahoma lands him, it won’t just upgrade the running back room — it will signal a shift toward the kind of physical, controlled football that wins in November.
The portal opens on Friday.
Don’t be surprised if this recruitment moves quickly after that.
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