The Secret Weapon To Fixing The Oklahoma Sooners' Run Game In 2026 Is...

Oklahoma’s run game has been a problem the last couple of years, and Brent Venables knows it. The Sooners haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Eric Gray in 2022, and last season they averaged just 3.5 yards per carry — a number Venables called “pathetic.”

On3’s J.D. PicKell discussed the additions at tight end and said that’s a big reason he thinks Oklahoma’s run game should be much improved in 2026.

"Offensively, they're just so much bigger at tight end," PicKell said on the Hard Count. "I think they have like two or three guys 6'5, 260. Being able to secure the edge in the run game... feels like a massive deal. They had zero tight ends in that department of size a season ago. I think the overall push up front will just be night and day different."

That makes a lot of sense. Oklahoma added Hayden Hansen, Rocky Beers and Jack Van Dorselaer in the transfer portal. All three measure 6-foot-4 or taller and bring significantly more size and blocking upside than last season's unit.

Last year, the starter was Jaren Kanak, who was 6-foot-2 and 233 pounds. He did an admirable job, but his size and lack of experience at tight end showed.

When the Sooners hired Jason Witten as the new tight ends coach, it wasn't just about teaching the guys to catch passes, but also about creating better blockers to play the position fully.

In the spring, Venables talked about attacking the issue head-on, and his plan starts where few schemes do: between the ears.

“To me, it all starts with attitude and mindset,” he said. “You gotta have a kick-ass mindset if you wanna kick ass.”

That’s classic Venables. He’s not going to sugarcoat it. The run game has been soft, and he wants to change the mentality up front.

If the offensive line and tight ends buy into that physical, tough mindset, it’ll make a huge difference.

The Sooners return both Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock, who could have big years in the run game. If the offensive line improves and the tight ends can secure the edge, those two backs should have more room to run. The offense as a whole will benefit from being able to balance the run and pass.

This is a big year for the run game. Oklahoma has the talent at skill positions. Mateer is back and should be better. The offensive line has experience returning. If they can get the tight ends involved in the run game and create lanes, this offense can be much more balanced and effective.

Venables has never been one to shy away from problems. He’s attacking this head-on with the right mindset and the right additions, similar to how he approached fixing the defense when he took the head coaching job.

The Sooners have the pieces. Now it’s about execution and developing that physical identity up front.

If the run game takes the step forward, it’ll make life easier for Mateer and open up the entire offense. This could be the year the Sooners finally get back to being a balanced, physical team that can run the ball when they need to.

The additions at tight end, the returning backs, and the focus on mindset should help. Venables is attacking the problem, and that’s exactly what you want to see.

The run game has been a weakness. If they can flip that script, it’ll be a game-changer for the Sooners this fall, helping them close out games in the fourth quarter.