Michigan has solidified its running back room in a major way with the signing of Oklahoma transfer Taylor Tatum.
Everyone knows that Michigan wants to run the ball and by the looks of it, they're going to be able to. Over the past few days, Michigan has gotten some commitments from several big time pieces up front like Jake Guarnera, Andrew Sprague, Andrew Babalola and Evan Frazier. Throw in running back Jordan Marshall, incoming freshman back Savion Hiter, and now Oklahoma transfer Taylor Tatum and the Wolverines are poised to be a real problem on the ground in 2026.
Tatum just announced that he would be transferring to Michigan after spending two seasons in Norman.
The 5-10, 212-pounder was the No. 1 overall running back in the 2024 class according to 247 and showed flashes of brilliance during his rookie campaign at Oklahoma. During the 2024 season, Tatum rushed for 278 yards and three touchdowns on 56 carries. He added five catches for 41 yards and a receiving score as well. Ahead of the 2025 season, it looked like he was going to have a major role for the Sooners but it just didn't play out that way.
At times Tatum had issues with ball security and he also needed to work on his pass protection in a major way. Then, he was hit by the injury bug and it all sort of unraveled in Norman.
“Taylor’s had one thing after the other,” Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables told the media in mid-October. “Between stingers, hamstrings, he’s kind of been snakebit.”
The result was precisely one snap and one carry for Tatum in 2025. He went backwards on that one carry and finished with -1 yard rushing for the whole season.
Now, it's time for a new beginning and a fresh start. Per OU Insider on the 247 Sports network, Tatum should have a real chance to make an impact in Ann Arbor.
The outcome of Tatum’s brief tenure at Oklahoma is particularly surprising given that he was the No. 1 running back in the entire 2024 recruiting cycle. The wondrously gifted two-sport athlete committed to play both football and baseball at Oklahoma, choosing the Sooners over USC and Michigan. The Rivals industry rankings considered him the No. 40 overall prospect in the 2024 class, and he was Oklahoma’s highest-ranked offensive signee. He carried enormous expectations to Norman with him, and appeared on his way to fulfilling those expectations as a true freshman.
Instead, he’ll take his remaining three years of eligibility to a new program. He concludes his Oklahoma career having appeared in 12 games, with three starts.
Michigan fans should be pretty excited about this signing. It didn't work out for Tatum at Oklahoma for various reasons, but this is a talented player. He had more than 40 offers coming out of high school and did some nice things as a true freshman as shown in the video below.
His scouting report from 247 explains exactly why he was the No. 1 running back prospect in the nation.
Top-tier running back prospect in the 2024 class with classic running back build. Previously on the leaner end of the spectrum, but bulked gradually during high school career to enter college north of 200 pounds. Broad-shouldered and assembled well. Instinctive lane-finder. Generally plays with patience and presses blocks to allow for holes to materialize. Also knows how to buy a couple more strides of time on perimeter runs to help blockers re-route defenders. Urgent runner with non-stop feet. Constantly puts pressure on the defense with pace and activity. Regularly makes something out of nothing when penetration disrupts play in the backfield. Uses an effective hesitation to set up evasive measures in space. Plenty functionally athletic to bounce runs, but plays with good discernment for a young back and keeps plays inside as needed. Flashes high-kneed, open-field speed to hit the big play.