Oklahoma Sooners Running Game Expected To Improve In 2026 Season
- mike33692
- 6 hours ago
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Oklahoma Sooners Running Game Expected To Improve In 2026 Season
The Oklahoma Sooners running game is expected to take a significant step forward this season as the Sooners look to build on last year's College Football Playoff appearance with a more balanced offense.
Despite returning to the College Football Playoff in 2025, Oklahoma finished 92nd nationally in total offense and 113th in rushing offense, forcing the Sooners to rely heavily on one of the nation's top defenses. Now, with four returning offensive line starters, new personnel and the addition of legendary tight end Jason Witten to the coaching staff, analysts believe Oklahoma's rushing attack could become one of the team's biggest improvements in 2026.
Oklahoma Sooners Running Game Could Be Biggest Offensive Improvement
College football analyst J.D. PicKell believes Oklahoma's offense is positioned for a much stronger season, largely because of expected improvements in the running game.
Speaking on The Hard Count, PicKell said last year's rushing struggles simply cannot continue if the Sooners expect to compete for another playoff berth.
"I don't believe it's going to be as bad as it was a year ago," PicKell said. "There's no way it can be as bad as it was a year ago."
His comments, originally reported by Sooners Wire, point to several reasons for optimism, including Oklahoma returning four of five starting offensive linemen while adding experienced transfer E'Marion Harris, who allowed only three sacks in roughly 400 snaps at Arkansas.
The combination of returning experience and added depth gives offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh significantly more flexibility heading into the season.
Jason Witten Could Transform Oklahoma's Blocking
One of the biggest offseason additions wasn't a player—it was Jason Witten.
The former Dallas Cowboys All-Pro tight end joined Oklahoma's coaching staff to lead the Sooners' tight ends, a position group that struggled as blockers over the past two seasons.
PicKell believes Witten's presence alone changes the mindset inside the program.
"Jason Witten walks into a room and changes the overall intensity, intentionality," PicKell said.
The analysis published by Sooners Wire notes that better blocking from Oklahoma's tight ends could have a major impact on the Sooners' rushing attack, creating more opportunities for running backs while taking pressure off quarterback play.
Improved production at tight end would also complement the experience returning along the offensive line, giving Oklahoma a much stronger foundation than it had entering the 2025 season.
Experience Gives Sooners Optimism Entering 2026
The Sooners return one of the most experienced offensive lines in the SEC, including three young linemen who gained valuable playing time as freshmen last season.
That continuity, combined with Harris' arrival and Witten's influence in the tight end room, has many analysts expecting Oklahoma to become a far more balanced offense in 2026.
Improving the rushing attack would not only help control games but also make the Sooners' passing offense more difficult for opposing defenses to defend throughout the season.
Season schedules, roster updates and team information are available through Oklahoma Sooners Football, as Oklahoma prepares to open what many consider a pivotal season under head coach Brent Venables.
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