Story by
Hayden Hansen eager to finally hit someone wearing a different jersey
- Story by
- Hayden Hansen eager to finally hit someone wearing a different jersey
Fall camp is in the books, and now it's ready to start the journey to the College Football Playoff. The Oklahoma Sooners open the season with a home game against the University of Texas at El Paso Miners.
This will be a time for some of Oklahoma's new faces to step on the field in front of over 80,000 people for the first time. One of those is former Florida Gators tight end, Hayden Hansen. The 6-foot-8 tight end hopes to bring a new level of physicality to the tight end room this season.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Apparently, Hansen has spent plenty of camp putting that physicality to the test against his own teammates. Speaking with reporters, he joked that he's finally ready to have someone in a different color lined up across from him.
"Oh dude, it's a beautiful thing," Hansen said via SoonerScoop. "I was just talking to Taylor Wein, and we hit each other so much. Any other color, I'm like a bull. Like, you flash red, I'm going straight towards it."
Hansen's first opportunity to show that physicality will come Friday against UTEP. While his blocking will be one of the first things to watch, Oklahoma also needs to determine how much Hansen can contribute as a receiving threat and how frequently he can stay on the field.
The opener should prove an early glimpse at how Oklahoma plans to use its revamped tight end group, particularly after the Sooners spent the offseason emphasizing size and physicality. Hansen has the physical tools to become an important part of that approach.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
For Oklahoma, the goal extends well beyond simply getting Hansen involved against UTEP. The Sooners are trying to build an offense capable of holding up against the best teams on their schedule, and that starts with establishing an identity. If Hansen can turn his aggressive mentality into consistent blocking and production, his arrival could become an important piece of Oklahoma's effort to become a more physical team when the biggest games arrive.
Oklahoma wide receiver Trell Harris (11) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables talks to coaches during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback Jett Niu (15) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback Jett Niu (15) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma long snapper Seth Freeman (50) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Lineman run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma defensive lineman Matthew Nelson (40) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback Bowe Bentley (8) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma linebacker Dane Bathurst (30) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback Jett Niu (15) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback Jett Niu (15) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma wide receiver Jer'michael Carter (5) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma defensive back Preston Mickens (27) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
1
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma wide receiver Trell Harris (11) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
1
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma wide receiver Trell Harris (11) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
2
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables talks to coaches during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
3
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
4
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma quarterback Jett Niu (15) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
5
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma quarterback Jett Niu (15) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
6
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma long snapper Seth Freeman (50) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
7
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Lineman run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
8
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma defensive lineman Matthew Nelson (40) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
9
/29
Bowe Bentley continues to impress with his development at Oklahoma
Oklahoma quarterback Bowe Bentley (8) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
10
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
11
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
12
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
13
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
14
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
15
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
16
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma linebacker Dane Bathurst (30) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
17
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
18
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
19
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma quarterback Jett Niu (15) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
20
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
21
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
22
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
23
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
24
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
25
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma quarterback Jett Niu (15) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
26
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
27
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma wide receiver Jer'michael Carter (5) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
28
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma defensive back Preston Mickens (27) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
29
/29
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners practice on Tuesday
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on X @jaronspor .
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Hayden Hansen eager to finally hit someone wearing a different jersey
