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As the Oklahoma Sooners gear up for the 2025 college football season, one of the most intriguing position battles is at running back. While the team returns a wealth of talent and experience in the backfield, the question remains: Who will emerge as the No. 1 running back? This uncertainty is fueling excitement and anticipation as the team heads into the spring practices, where position battles will be solidified. With an abundance of options at running back, the upcoming spring depth chart will be crucial in determining which player will take on the primary role and lead the Sooners’ offense in 2025.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the running back position for Oklahoma, analyze the returning players, and discuss the key battle that could define the depth chart.

### The Landscape of Oklahoma’s Running Back Room

Over the last few seasons, the Oklahoma Sooners have maintained a reputation for producing top-tier running backs who can do it all – rush between the tackles, break off long runs, catch passes out of the backfield, and block in pass protection. The position has been a key part of the team’s offensive success under head coach Brent Venables, and 2025 looks to be no different.

While the Sooners don’t have a single standout like in previous years with players like Joe Mixon, Samaje Perine, or Rodney Anderson, they have a mix of experienced backs with different skill sets that could allow them to use a committee approach in the backfield. The depth chart will likely be fluid in the early part of the season, but the spring will provide a clear look at how the rotation might shake out.

### Returners Who Could Make an Impact

The Sooners return a mix of experienced upperclassmen and promising younger players who will compete for the starting role in 2025. Let’s take a closer look at the key running backs to watch this spring.

#### 1. **Jovantae Barnes**
Jovantae Barnes, a sophomore, had a solid freshman campaign in 2024. Despite playing behind more experienced backs, Barnes showed flashes of his potential as a powerful, shifty runner with the ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact. Barnes finished with respectable rushing totals, and his vision and decision-making on the field were well beyond his years.

He’s widely regarded as one of the top candidates to take over as the No. 1 back. His ability to run between the tackles and pick up key yards in short-yardage situations gives him a major advantage. Additionally, Barnes showed his receiving ability last year, making him a dual-threat that could fit into a variety of offensive schemes.

#### 2. **Marcus Major**
Senior Marcus Major enters his final season at Oklahoma, and with his experience, he brings a steady presence to the backfield. Major has been an impactful back for the Sooners in the past, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations. However, his consistency and durability have sometimes been questioned due to injuries that have kept him sidelined for parts of previous seasons.

When healthy, Major is a physical back who can wear down defenses and get the tough yards when needed. He might not be the flashiest player, but he’s reliable and can contribute in multiple phases of the game, especially in pass protection and on third downs.

#### 3. **Gavin Sawchuk**
Gavin Sawchuk is a promising young back who showed a lot of potential as a freshman last season. While he didn’t see as many touches as some of the other backs on the roster, Sawchuk demonstrated breakaway speed and the ability to make defenders miss in open space. His ability as a runner, particularly on outside runs, could give him an edge if he can develop a more complete game and improve his pass protection.

With his speed and agility, Sawchuk is a player who could thrive in a change-of-pace role, complementing the more physical backs like Barnes and Major. If he continues to develop, he could be a major factor in the rotation this spring and into the season.

#### 4. **Tyler Gibson**
Tyler Gibson, another young player who will compete for playing time, is a bigger-bodied back who can push through tackles and help with short-yardage situations. He is somewhat untested at the collegiate level but has flashed some ability in practice and during limited game time.

Gibson might not be the most dynamic of the group, but he’s a powerful option with good vision that could help Oklahoma’s offense in specific packages or down-and-distance situations. He’ll need a strong spring to work his way into the mix but shouldn’t be counted out.

### What the Sooners Need From Their No. 1 Back

Oklahoma’s offense, under offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, is fast-paced and heavily reliant on a strong running game to set up the passing attack. The Sooners have consistently ranked among the top teams in the country in rushing yards per game, and 2025 will be no exception. The key for the running backs in this offense will be balance.

The running back who earns the No. 1 spot needs to be able to provide multiple skill sets. The Sooners don’t necessarily need a back who is elite in only one area but rather someone who can wear multiple hats. This includes being able to:
– Gain tough yards in short-yardage and goal-line situations
– Serve as a pass-catcher out of the backfield to provide versatility
– Protect the quarterback in pass protection
– Maintain consistency over a full season

Additionally, Oklahoma will look for a back who can break away for explosive runs. The Sooners’ offense often thrives on big plays, and the ability to stretch the field and make defenders miss in the open field is a huge part of that.

### The Battle for No. 1

While there’s no clear-cut answer as to who will be the starting running back, this spring will provide crucial opportunities for players like Barnes, Major, and Sawchuk to prove themselves. With experienced players like Major and Barnes leading the way, it’s likely that one of them will get the first crack at the starting job.

However, don’t be surprised if Oklahoma decides to use a committee approach, especially early in the season. Each of these backs has different strengths, and mixing them into the offense in different situations could prove to be a smart strategy. Expect to see the Sooners give multiple players chances to showcase their skills during the spring practices, and potentially even in the early games of the 2025 season, before settling on a primary option.

### Final Thoughts

The running back position at Oklahoma remains one of the most exciting and competitive position battles heading into the 2025 season. With a talented group of backs returning, the Sooners have options. However, the lack of a proven No. 1 running back means there’s a crucial opportunity for one of these players to step up and make their mark. The spring depth chart will give fans a clearer idea of who is in the driver’s seat, but with the talent across the board, it’s likely to be an evolving process.

As the Sooners look to continue their dominance in the Big 12 and position themselves for a potential playoff berth, the battle at running back will be one to watch closely throughout the spring and into the fall.