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Oklahoma's run game could be biggest difference in 2026
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- Oklahoma's run game could be biggest difference in 2026
It was clear throughout the 2025 season that the Oklahoma Sooners needed to improve their rushing attack. Fixing that issue will be one of the biggest factors in determining whether Oklahoma's offense can take a major step forward in 2026.
The Sooners ranked No. 113 in the nation in rushing yards per game at just 118.5. They had no one rush for more than 500 yards last season. Running backs Tory Blaylock and Xavier Robinson, along with quarterback John Mateer , were the only Sooners to rush for over 70 yards last year. That is why improving the rushing attack became a major priority for the coaching staff this offseason.
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The foundation starts with returning four of five starters along the offensive line and bringing back the team's top three rushers from last season. A revamped tight end room could also provide a significant boost by improving Oklahoma's blocking in the run game. On3's J.D. PicKell believes the running game could be the missing piece that unlocks Oklahoma's offensive potential.
"The running game was bad," PicKell said. "You know that, I know that, Oklahoma knows that. Is there any chance that the Oklahoma run game stays as bad as it was a year ago? I don't think so. That would shock all of us. Take it a step further, if Oklahoma were just balanced offensively. I don't need, like, 200 yards on the ground; I just mean, like, can we do one thing offensively to demand one high safety? To make opposing defenses put somebody else in the box? That would feel like a win to me."
Oklahoma does not need to become one of the nation's most dominant rushing teams to take the next step offensively. It simply needs to become a threat defenses have to respect. A more efficient running game would open up opportunities for Mateer and the passing attack while making the Sooners much harder to defend in the SEC.
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If the offensive line, running backs and tight ends can deliver improvement, Oklahoma could finally have the balance needed to complement what should be one of the best defenses in college football.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma's run game could be biggest difference in 2026
