From linebacker to All-SEC tight end, Oklahoma Sooners Football star Jaren Kanak's remarkable position switch propels him to the NFL with the Tennessee Titans
The 2026 NFL Draft delivered another proud moment for Oklahoma Sooners fans late on Saturday when the Tennessee Titans selected versatile tight end Jaren Kanak with the 225th overall pick.
The 6-foot-2, 234-pound senior from Hays, Kansas, who spent his first three seasons on defense before making a seamless transition to offense in 2025, now carries the crimson-and-cream legacy to the NFL.
Kanak’s journey at Oklahoma is one of the most compelling position switches in recent program history. A former four-star recruit and the top player in Kansas out of Hays High School, where he starred as a dual-threat quarterback, linebacker, and wide receiver.
He arrived in Norman in 2022 and immediately contributed on the defensive side. Over his first three seasons as a linebacker, he appeared in 39 games with 10 starts, racking up 103 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two pass breakups.
His 2023 campaign stood out: 62 tackles, 6.0 TFL, and 2.0 sacks while starting the final nine games.In 2025, with the Sooners needing offensive weapons in the SEC, Kanak made the bold move to tight end under offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.
The gamble paid off in spectacular fashion.
He started all 13 games, earned Third-Team All-SEC honors from the league’s coaches, and finished as Oklahoma’s third-leading receiver with 44 catches for 533 yards (12.1 yards per reception).
He recorded at least one reception in every game, had multiple games with four or more catches, and delivered consistent production across the formation, mostly from the slot and wing.
His natural hands, athleticism, and football IQ shone through despite it being his first season on offense.
From an Oklahoma perspective, Kanak embodied the Sooner standard of versatility, toughness, and selfless commitment. A high-character player who bought fully into Brent Venables’ culture, he transitioned positions without complaint and quickly earned the trust of his teammates and coaches.
His 4.52-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine highlighted the speed and explosiveness that made the switch possible, while his blocking improvements and route-running savvy showed real growth in a single year.
The Titans, looking to add depth and athleticism to their tight end room, get a developmental prospect with intriguing upside.
At 234 pounds with good length and athletic testing, Kanak projects as a move tight end who can contribute in the passing game early while continuing to refine his in-line blocking.
His background as a former linebacker gives him an edge in run support and special teams, areas where Tennessee values physical, smart players.
Kanak’s path, from Kansas high school legend to defensive contributor to All-SEC tight end, highlights what the Sooner program does best: developing multi-positional athletes who maximize their potential in Norman.
As he heads to Nashville, he joins the growing list of recent OU standouts making their mark in the pros.
Proud Sooners everywhere will be watching closely as Jaren Kanak lines up in Titans blue. His work ethic and adaptability, forged in the SEC trenches and on the practice fields of Norman, should serve him well at the next level.
Kanak is the sixth Sooner selected in this year's draft. Other include Robert Spears-Jennings to the Steelers, Kendal Daniels to the Falcons, with Gracen Halton going to the 49ers, Febechi Nwaiwu going to the Texans, and R Mason Thomas headed to the Chiefs.