The NCAA transfer portal has officially opened for the 2026 season. This period will remain active until January 16. Notably, the spring transfer window has been eliminated this year.
Oklahoma Sooners Running Back Joins NCAA Transfer Portal
On Friday, running back Taylor Tatum became the latest player to enter the transfer portal. His decision follows a wave of transfers from the Oklahoma Sooners earlier this week.
Background on Taylor Tatum
Tatum was a highly touted recruit, being ranked as the top running back prospect for the 2024 class. He played for the Sooners over two seasons in Norman. During his freshman year, Tatum rushed for 278 yards and scored three touchdowns. However, he struggled with ball security and saw less playtime as the season progressed.
In his sophomore year, injuries limited his appearances. He played only once, carrying the ball once for a loss of one yard during a victory against South Carolina.
Future of the Running Back Position
With Tatum’s departure, the running back responsibility for the Sooners will likely fall on Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock. Both players were less celebrated recruits compared to Tatum. This offseason, Tatum is the second running back to leave the team, following Jovantae Barnes.
Potential Losses and Needs
- Senior Jaydn Ott is expected to run out of eligibility after participating in seven games in 2025.
- The Sooners are actively seeking to bolster their running back depth through the transfer portal.
Incoming Freshmen
Oklahoma has signed two new recruits, Jonathan Hatton Jr. and DeZephen Walker, who will begin their true freshman seasons in 2026. Their arrival may help fill the gaps left by departing players.
As the transfer portal remains open, the Sooners are likely to make strategic moves to strengthen their backfield. For ongoing updates about Oklahoma sports, you can follow El-Balad on social media.
