Oklahoma welcomes a new running back to their team with the arrival of Jaydn Ott, previously from the University of California.
The Oklahoma Sooners football team, who struggled in the 2024 season with a 6-7 record and 2-6 in conference play, have received a significant boost with the arrival of transfer running back Jaydn Ott from California.
Ott, a versatile and highly-rated player, ranked third among all transfers in the portal class. His addition to the team is expected to significantly upgrade Oklahoma’s rushing attack, which was ranked 11th in the SEC in rushing yards per game in 2024.
In his last season at Cal, Ott led the Pac-12 in rushing with 1,315 yards. He averaged an impressive 5.32 yards per carry in his last two seasons, and scored 14 total touchdowns. Despite being limited by an ankle injury in the season opener, Ott still managed to demonstrate his dynamic running skills.
Ott’s transfer to Oklahoma provides a much-needed boost to the team's offense, especially following a down season in 2024. His full recovery from the injury and his skill set are expected to contribute to a more explosive offensive identity under new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.
Ott has also highlighted a key cultural difference at Oklahoma, praising his new teammates for demonstrating a higher level of care and commitment to their craft both on and off the field compared to his experience at Cal. This mentality, praised by Oklahoma’s head coach Brent Venables, suggests Ott’s addition will positively influence team dynamics and performance.
The Sooners’ ability to climb the SEC rankings in 2025 will depend on how well Ott and other transfers integrate and elevate the overall offense, which was still recovering from injuries in 2024. The team has also added former Stanford offensive lineman Jake Maikkula as a transfer, which could further strengthen the offensive line.
In the broader SEC standings, while Oklahoma’s rushing offense was mid-tier last year, the infusion of a high-caliber player like Ott coupled with new coaching could improve their competitiveness. The Sooners will be hoping to capitalise on this upgrade in the 2025 season.
Jaivian Thomas now leads the Golden Bears' rushing attack after Ott's departure, scoring 626 yards and 7 TDs last season. Cal has also lost another important offensive player to the transfer portal this offseason, adding to the challenge for the team as they look to rebuild their offense.
Ott signed with Oklahoma’s program on a Tuesday announcement, and is already making waves in the SEC. With his talent and mindset, he could be a game-changer for the Sooners in the 2025 season.
Jaydn Ott's arrival at the Oklahoma Sooners could significantly improve their football team, particularly their struggling rushing attack, as he led the Pac-12 in rushing with 1,315 yards in his last season. Additionally, the addition of Ott and other transfers, such as Jake Maikkula from Stanford, could boost the Sooners' offense and help them climb the SEC rankings in the 2025 season, making them more competitive and potentially game-changing for the team.
