Homecoming in crimson: Avant's journey back to Oklahoma
In a move that has Oklahoma Sooners fans buzzing with anticipation, former Colorado State running back Lloyd Avant has committed to OU via the transfer portal, marking his return to the state where his college football journey began.
The announcement came on Monday, January 5, 2026, just days after the winter transfer window opened on January 2.
Avant, a dynamic and versatile playmaker, brings a wealth of experience and explosiveness to a Sooners running back room in need of reinforcement, especially after the departures of key contributors like Jovantae Barnes and Taylor Tatum to the portal.
Hailing from Humble, Texas, Avant was a three-star recruit out of high school, showcasing his speed and agility that made him a standout in the Lone Star State's competitive football scene.
He initially signed with Tulsa in 2024, choosing to start his collegiate career in Oklahoma—a decision that now comes full circle with his move to Norman.
As a true freshman for the Golden Hurricane, Avant wasted no time making an impact. He rushed for 259 yards and one touchdown, while also adding a memorable kick return touchdown that highlighted his special teams prowess.
His freshman campaign was a promising glimpse of the all-purpose threat he could become, blending power, vision, and elusiveness in a compact 5-foot-10, 200-pound frame.
However, change came swiftly for Avant. Following the dismissal of Tulsa head coach Kevin Wilson at the end of the 2024 season, Avant entered the transfer portal for the first time. Wilson, ironically, has since joined OU as an offensive analyst, adding a layer of familiarity to Avant's new destination.
Seeking stability and opportunity, Avant landed at Colorado State for the 2025 season. Under the Rams' system, he truly flourished, amassing over 900 all-purpose yards in a breakout sophomore year.
On the ground, he carried the ball for 417 yards and five touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to grind out tough yards between the tackles while also breaking off explosive runs.
But Avant's value extended far beyond rushing; he hauled in passes for 261 receiving yards and another touchdown, averaging nearly six yards per touch overall.
This versatility made him a Swiss Army knife for CSU's offense, capable of lining up in the backfield, slot, or even on special teams.
Despite his success in Fort Collins, Avant found himself back in the portal after just one season, prompted perhaps by another coaching transition or a desire for a bigger stage in the SEC-bound Sooners program.
His weekend visit to Norman sealed the deal, with Avant committing shortly after, as confirmed by his agent to multiple outlets.
With two years of eligibility remaining, the rising junior is poised to make an immediate contribution to Brent Venables' squad.
For OU, Avant's arrival couldn't come at a better time. The Sooners' running back depth took a hit this offseason, creating a clear need for proven talent. He'll join a group headlined by returning veterans Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock, along with Andy Bass and incoming freshmen Jonathan Hatton and DeZephen Walker.
This brings the scholarship running back count to six, providing much-needed competition and insurance against injuries.
Avant's all-purpose skills align perfectly with modern college offenses, where backs are expected to contribute in multiple phases.
His receiving ability could add a new dimension to OU's passing game, while his kick return experience—evidenced by that freshman-year score—might address the Sooners' conservative approach to returns in 2025, where they attempted just two kickoffs and favored fair catches almost exclusively.
Beyond the on-field fit, Avant's return to Oklahoma carries a narrative appeal.
Starting his career in Tulsa, he's no stranger to the Sooner State's passionate football culture. This homecoming of sorts allows him to reconnect with roots planted during his freshman year, now elevated to the powerhouse program in Norman.
Fans will undoubtedly embrace a player who embodies resilience, having navigated two transfers while consistently producing on the field.
As the transfer portal window closes on January 16, OU continues to reshape its roster for the 2026 season.
Avant's commitment is a strategic win, injecting speed and multifaceted talent into a team aiming to climb back into national contention.
With his track record of adaptability and production, expect Avant to hit the ground running—literally—in crimson and cream.
The Sooner faithful can look forward to watching this Texas native thrive once more in Oklahoma, proving that sometimes, the best paths lead back home.