Oklahoma football experienced a major overhaul this offseason. After a disappointing 2024 campaign, the Sooners retooled their offense and hired Ben Arbuckle from Washington State as their new offensive coordinator. Arbuckle brought in transfer quarterback John Mateer and completely reshaped the running back room—headlined by the addition of standout Jaydn Ott from Cal.
Ott, however, is currently sidelined with a minor injury. According to reports from George Stoia III (SoonerScoop/On3) and Parker Thune (Rivals/OU Insider), Ott has been held out of practice as a precaution. He’s been seen performing rehab work on the sidelines, and while the team hasn’t disclosed the specific nature of the injury, head coach Brent Venables indicated it’s not serious. Ott is expected to be ready for the season opener.
Thune provided more context on social media: “Minor (emphasis on MINOR) injuries to Jaydn Ott, Xavier Robinson, and Taylor Tatum. All three were dressed at practice today doing various rehab exercises. The Sooners are naturally being quite cautious with their guys’ bumps and bruises after everything that happened last year.”
Ott, a California native, transferred to Oklahoma after starting his college career at Cal. After Wednesday’s media availability, he offered a candid perspective on the contrast between the two programs.
“I don’t know how to put it nicely. The biggest difference is these guys care,” Ott said. “Not saying that my former teammates at Cal don’t care, but there are levels, and it shows in the way that guys treat their craft and how often they’re taking care of things outside the facility to be good within it.”
Ott had a breakout season in 2023, rushing for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 109.5 yards per game—good for ninth in the nation. However, an ankle injury limited him in 2024, holding him to just 385 rushing yards and four scores over 10 games.
In addition to his rushing ability, Ott brings versatility as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. During his three years at Cal, he tallied 95 receptions for 736 yards and six touchdowns.
As Oklahoma prepares to transition into SEC competition, this season looms large for head coach Brent Venables. With a retooled offense and a talent upgrade across the board, the Sooners are hoping they finally have the firepower to compete—not just participate—in the toughest conference in college football.
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