The Oklahoma Sooners have improved their physicality in the run game all spring long, and the vibes coming out of spring camp are in an entirely better place than they have in recent seasons.
A point of emphasis for the Oklahoma Sooners
all offseason long was improving their run game. It had been dreadful for years in a row, with head coach Brent Venables even calling it "pathetic".
However, with a new running backs coach and a new tight ends coach in Norman, things appear to be trending upwards and onwards for the Sooners on the ground. It's been the talk of the spring across town, and it could mean big things for the team in 2026.
The Sooners return plenty of production across their offense, something they haven't done in quite some time. With quarterback John Mateer
, a stable of running backs, and the entire offensive line returning with experience together, the Sooners have continuity offensively for the first time since 2022 to 2023.
One room that was significantly overhauled was the tight end room. This room was arguably the offense's biggest issue last season. The Sooners added five new players to the room, and are already reaping the returns.
Perhaps their biggest return on investment will come from former Florida Gators
tight end Hayden Hansen
. Hansen was the Sooners' top priority at tight end and was their first commit out of the portal. His ability as a blocker almost makes him a de-facto sixth offensive lineman, and it's improved their physicality up front.
"I got some news for you guys. It's here. It's looking good. We are running the rock. We are pounding the rock. Every practice. It is a beautiful thing to see."
Hayden Hansen
Oklahoma's improved physicality has translated into practice. Their overhauled run game has drawn nearly universal praise from every coach and observer. There's a different feel to the offense than the Sooners have had in years. The Sooners' offensive line and tight end room is meeting and matching
their defensive line up front
What makes this so exciting is that Xavier Robinson
and Tory Blaylock
have yet to practice as well. Jonathan Hatton
and Lloyd Avant have taken the majority of snaps, with DeZephen Walker also contributing. The run game looks like thiswith two true freshmen in the lineup.
Obviously, how things look in practice will be met with skepticism until the Sooners do it in-game, but this shift in tone is notable. If Oklahoma's offense can get more balanced, the sky is the limit for their ceiling next season.
Oklahoma Sooners News
AJ Schulte April 6, 2026
The post Oklahoma Sooners' new-look offense throughout spring practice is 'a beautiful thing to see' and it has completely shifted the tone in Norman appeared first on A to Z Sports .
