Oklahoma’s addition of Cal transfer running back Jaydn Ott dramatically shifts power dynamics of the position in the SEC. The Sooners were looking for serious playmakers to help revamp an anemic offense, and Ott could quickly prove to be a game-changer.
The running back position was quietly lackluster last season in the SEC. Only three backs cleared 1,000 yards, and Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson was the only one to rank in the top 20 nationally in yards rushing per game. Complicating matters, five of the top six rushers from last season are now gone.
That said, there’s a formidable crop of young talent ready to ascend to stardom in the conference. LSU’s Caden Durham, Georgia’s Nate Frazier and Florida’s Jadan Baugh are rising stars. A few other players will soon return from injury and add some depth. Still though, are any good enough to unseat Ott?
As a note, we’re listing only one running back per school. Texas running backs Quintrevion Wisner and CJ Baxter both have serious cases to rank in the top five, but things will get a little weird if we’re digging down depth charts before touching on every team.
Here’s how we rank SEC running backs after Oklahoma’s addition of Ott.
1. Jaydn Ott, Oklahoma
Ott suffered through injuries all of last season. When he’s healthy, though, Ott is one of the nation’s most explosive players. As a sophomore in 2023, he exploded for 1,315 yards and 12 touchdowns at California to lead a surprising run to a bowl game. Ott will slot into Oklahoma’s lineup and give them the…
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