Oklahoma Enters 2025 Fall Camp With Deepest, Most Talented Backfield Since Lincoln Riley Era, Poised to Revitalize Run Game Identity
This year, Oklahoma enters fall camp with arguably its deepest and most talented backfield since the Lincoln Riley era — a development that could prove pivotal as the Sooners transition into life in the SEC and attempt to reestablish their offensive identity under third-year head coach Brent Venables. After years of inconsistency in the run game, Oklahoma now boasts a stable of versatile, explosive, and battle-tested running backs capable of shouldering the offensive load and taking pressure off first-year starting quarterback Jackson Arnold.
The Sooners’ backfield hasn’t looked quite like this in recent seasons. Since the days of Joe Mixon, Samaje Perine, Rodney Anderson, and Trey Sermon, Oklahoma has lacked both the depth and top-end firepower that once defined its rushing attack. While the program has produced serviceable backs and moments of brilliance on the ground in the post-Riley years, it hasn’t consistently imposed its will in the trenches like it once did. That could change in 2025.
This fall, the backfield is brimming with options. Veterans who’ve logged meaningful snaps, young players with breakout potential, and dynamic athletes who can impact the game in multiple ways — all are competing for carries. That kind of internal competition creates urgency and sharpens everyone’s edge. It also gives offensive coordinator Seth Littrell and run-game coordinator DeMarco Murray unprecedented flexibility to tailor the rushing attack to matchups, game flow, and personnel strengths.
At the top of the rotation is Jovantae Barnes, a player who, when healthy, has shown flashes of being a true workhorse. Barnes came to Norman with high expectations and has steadily developed into a reliable option, particularly in short-yardage and red zone situations. While injuries have disrupted his momentum at times, a fully healthy Barnes brings physicality, vision, and downhill running that could thrive in the SEC’s trench warfare. He’s been praised for his patience and improved footwork, two traits that should serve him well against faster, more disciplined defenses.
Joining Barnes is Gavin Sawchuk, a back who offers something entirely different — breakaway speed and home-run ability. Sawchuk emerged late in the 2023 season and has steadily carved out a role as the big-play threat in the offense. His ability to bounce outside, change direction, and turn small creases into chunk gains brings an explosive element to Oklahoma’s rushing attack. He’s also added bulk in the offseason, aiming to take on a bigger workload and improve in pass protection, areas that once limited his snaps.
Then there’s Kalib Hicks, a player who many inside the program believe could be the next star in the rotation. The former high four-star prospect had limited touches last season but flashed impressive burst and natural instincts. This offseason, coaches have raved about his growth — both physically and mentally. Hicks has the skill set to contribute as both a runner and receiver, and his versatility may make him a featured part of certain packages, especially on third downs or in uptempo situations.
And that’s not where the depth ends. The Sooners also brought in Taylor Tatum, one of the most highly regarded freshmen backs in the country. Tatum was a marquee recruiting win and has already turned heads in early camp practices with his balance, ball security, and maturity. While it’s too early to project his full role, don’t be surprised if he forces his way into meaningful carries before the season ends. His upside is tremendous, and if injuries or inconsistency strike the upper rotation, Tatum could rise quickly.
There’s also the element of scheme and coaching continuity to consider. Littrell and Murray have worked closely this offseason to retool the ground game. The Sooners want to be more physical, more downhill, and more efficient. That means fewer east-west delays and more north-south urgency. The zone schemes will remain, but the emphasis is shifting toward gap-based concepts designed to simplify reads and take advantage of the backs’ one-cut explosiveness. It’s a system that suits players like Barnes and Hicks, while still allowing Sawchuk to freelance and create in space.
Importantly, this isn’t just about raw talent — it’s about situational strength and complementary skill sets. Few programs in the country can claim a top four as diverse and complete as Oklahoma’s. Barnes brings power and consistency. Sawchuk offers speed and game-breaking potential. Hicks delivers versatility and fresh legs. Tatum adds long-term ceiling and unexpected depth. If managed properly, that’s a blueprint for success in a conference where 60-minute games are won in the final ten minutes.
Depth at running back also helps insulate Oklahoma’s offense from growing pains at quarterback. Jackson Arnold is the future, and the expectations around him are sky high, but even the most talented young quarterbacks benefit from a strong ground game. A dependable rushing attack creates manageable third downs, softens coverages, and allows play-action to flourish. If Oklahoma can control tempo and win first down with the run, Arnold won’t have to carry the offense on his shoulders, especially in the early part of the season.
The offensive line will, of course, play a massive role in all of this. The unit underwent some turnover this offseason but returns key starters and adds veteran experience through the transfer portal. Reports from camp suggest the group is more physical than it was a year ago, with an emphasis on pad level, finishing blocks, and sustaining push. Improved line play was a top priority after too many short-yardage failures in 2024, and the early signs indicate progress.
And then there’s DeMarco Murray — a program legend who knows exactly what elite backfield play looks like. As Oklahoma’s running backs coach, Murray has made it a point to raise the standard. He’s built relationships, challenged his room, and emphasized accountability. Under his guidance, the Sooners’ backs have not only improved technically but have also embraced the mental grind needed to excel in the SEC. Murray is not just a figurehead — he’s an emerging coaching talent who is molding this group in his own image.
With this kind of depth and coaching, Oklahoma has the opportunity to do something it hasn’t done consistently in years: control games with the run. That doesn’t mean reverting to a 1970s ground-and-pound offense, but rather bringing balance and physicality back to a system that had become too reliant on quarterback magic and perimeter flair. In the SEC, success still starts up front — and nothing helps a young quarterback or maturing team more than being able to hand the ball off and grind out yards when it matters most.
Nationally, few are talking about Oklahoma’s run game as a headline story. The buzz is around Arnold, the SEC transition, and Brent Venables’ long-term future. But make no mistake: the backfield could be the engine that powers the Sooners through a demanding 2025 schedule. If the rotation stays healthy and the offensive line holds up, Oklahoma could surprise people — not by outscoring everyone in shootouts, but by controlling games, wearing teams down, and finishing strong.
That’s the kind of football Venables wants to play. It’s the kind of identity Oklahoma has flirted with but never fully embraced in recent years. And now, with this group of backs, they may finally have the personnel to pull it off.
So as fall camp rolls on, don’t overlook the depth chart behind Jackson Arnold. That’s where Oklahoma’s most reliable strength might lie. In a conference known for defense, physicality, and fourth-quarter slugfests, the Sooners finally look ready to respond with the kind of backfield that not only matches the moment — but might just define it.
