After battling injures throughout last season and missing most of spring ball,Oklahoma'sjunior running back has been a full participant during training camp.
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"It's real good," Robinson said of being back on the practice field. "I've got my teammates who encourage me every day. I've got the coaches, who got my back, helping me get through adversity since my surgery. I'm just glad to be back out with my team."
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Lineman run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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)
Oklahoma offensive lineman Caleb Nitta (60) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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)
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)
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)
Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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)
Oklahoma defensive back Omarion Robinson (2) and Oklahoma defensive back Preston Mickens (27) run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma running back Ben McCreary (23) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma running back Ben McCreary (23) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma running back Lloyd Avant (9) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Oklahoma quarterbacks run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
2/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
4/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
5/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
6/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
7/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma players run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
8/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
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)
9/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
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)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
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)
11/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
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)
12/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
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)
13/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
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)
14/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
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)
15/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
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)
16/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
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)
17/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
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)
18/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
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)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
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)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
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)
21/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
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)
22/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Lineman run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
23/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
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)
24/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma offensive lineman Caleb Nitta (60) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
25/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
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)
26/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
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)
27/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
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)
28/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
29/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
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)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma defensive back Omarion Robinson (2) and Oklahoma defensive back Preston Mickens (27) run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
31/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma running back Ben McCreary (23) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma running back Ben McCreary (23) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma running back Lloyd Avant (9) runs drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
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)
35/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
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)
36/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
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)
37/39
OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
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)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
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)
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OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos
Oklahoma quarterbacks run drills during an OU Football practice in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Now in Year 3 with theSooners, Robinson is the elder statesman of the running backs unit. The formerCarl Albert High Schoolstar broke out onto the scene as a freshman at OU when he totaled 233 rushing yards and four touchdowns and was the starter by season's end.
He played through a knee injury last season as a sophomore but started each of theSooners' final four contests, including the road win overTennesseewhen he notcheda career-high 115 yards.
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Robinson has made big play after big play in crucial games over the past couple of years but injuries have held him back. Heading into the 2026 season, he's carrying a prove-it mindset each day into practice and the meeting room, while also taking on more of a leadership role within a younger position group.
"Man, every day, man, I just want to prove something to myself," Robinson said, "prove something to my teammates, stay accountable and be there for my guys."
During his first couple of seasons of college ball, Robinson was just focused on running the football. Now, with new position coach Deland McCullough, he's really honing into all of the details that make a good running back for the first time.
Robinson says his most significant improvement thus far as opposed to last season has been reading details on the field and knowing when to make cuts and get vertical on the field.
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"Coach McCullough, he's very detailed," Robinson said. "He's a technician when it comes to the run game and it stands out. It stands out, especially this year. He's helped me and a lot of guys in the room and you can see that. We've been making a lot of explosive plays and he's really good in the run game."
Improving in the run game was a major emphasis for coach Brent Venables this offseason. It's going to take everybody — the running backs, tight ends and offensive line to put together an elite group in the SEC.
Robinson is the favorite to start when the Sooners open the regular season against UTEP on Sept. 4. But Colorado State transfer Lloyd Avant and freshman Jonathan Hatton Jr. have impressed as well withTory Blaylocklimited.
Now fully healthy, Robinson expects to lead a group hungry to prove it can answer Venables' call and increase its level of physicality.
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"Man, you just want to go punish guys," Robinson said. "A lot of guys don't like tackling. We know a lot of guys don't like tackling. We see it on the film and that's what we like to go do — we want to punish guys and take over the run game."
Colton Sulley covers theOklahoma Soonersfor TheOklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
