BREAKING: Cal Star Transfer RB Jaydn Ott Flips Commitment and Signs with Oklahoma Sooners
In a major development that will reshape the landscape of college football’s 2025 season, former California Golden Bears star running back Jaydn Ott has officially signed with the Oklahoma Sooners. The announcement was made by the university earlier today, confirming weeks of speculation about Ott’s next destination. The dynamic running back initially leaned toward a different program during the transfer process and was even believed to be a lock for another top contender, but in a surprise move, Ott has flipped his commitment — choosing Oklahoma as his new football home.
I was drafted and flipped, but I chose Oklahoma,” Ott said in a brief statement. “There’s just something about the energy in Norman, the tradition, and what Coach [Brent] Venables and Coach [DeMarco] Murray are building. It felt right.”
A Game-Changer Enters the Big 12
Ott’s decision to join Oklahoma is nothing short of monumental. The 6-foot, 200-pound back was one of the most electrifying players in the Pac-12 over the past two seasons. In 2024, he rushed for 1,272 yards and 11 touchdowns while adding 352 receiving yards and 3 scores through the air. His explosiveness, vision, and versatility made him one of the top backs in the country and a key target for multiple programs in the transfer portal.
With his combination of speed, balance, and power, Ott is expected to immediately become a focal point in the Sooners’ offense as they prepare for their second year back in the SEC. His arrival is a major win for Oklahoma, which is aiming to reestablish itself among college football’s elite after a transitional 2024 season.
From Cal to Oklahoma: The Recruitment Saga
Jaydn Ott entered the portal with significant buzz, drawing interest from numerous high-profile programs, including Florida State, Michigan, USC, and Texas. At one point, insiders believed Ott had made up his mind and would head south to play for the Florida Gators. Social media speculation, cryptic tweets, and insider reports pointed to a near-certain commitment to Gainesville.
However, Oklahoma never backed off. Led by running backs coach DeMarco Murray — a former Sooner great himself — the program made a relentless push for Ott. Murray’s track record with backs and the opportunity to be featured in a high-powered offense ultimately swayed Ott’s decision.
“This was about trust and vision,” Ott explained. “Coach Murray didn’t just recruit me — he invested in who I am as a person and a player. I know I can thrive in Norman, and I’m ready to get to work.”
What Ott Brings to the Sooners
Ott’s game is tailor-made for modern college football. He’s not just a traditional north-south rusher — though he has plenty of power to run between the tackles — he’s also a dangerous weapon in the passing game. His ability to line up in the slot, run crisp routes, and make defenders miss in space makes him a matchup nightmare.
Here’s a breakdown of what Jaydn Ott adds to the Sooners’ offense:
- Home Run Speed: Ott has multiple 50+ yard touchdown runs on his resume. He’s a threat to score any time he touches the ball.
- Vision and Patience: He excels at reading blocks and letting plays develop — a perfect fit for Oklahoma’s zone run schemes.
- Pass-Catching Ability: His 30+ receptions last season weren’t just check-downs — he runs legitimate routes and can create mismatches against linebackers and safeties.
- Leadership and Experience: Ott has been a workhorse at the Power Five level and will bring leadership and poise to a young Oklahoma locker room.
The Oklahoma Backfield Outlook
Ott is expected to compete for the starting role right away, though the Sooners do have depth at the position. His presence elevates the entire unit and could open up more creative offensive options for the Sooners, especially with a talented quarterback room and emerging receivers on the outside.
Oklahoma’s offense sputtered at times last season, particularly in critical games where the running game was inconsistent. Ott not only shores up that weakness but has the potential to be a game-breaking weapon that defensive coordinators must account for every snap.
A Statement Signing in the SEC Era
With Oklahoma now fully entrenched in the SEC, landing a player of Ott’s caliber is a powerful statement of intent. It signals that the Sooners are not simply trying to compete — they’re aiming to dominate.
Recruiting at a national level, winning in the transfer portal, and developing NFL-caliber talent are all musts in the SEC. Signing Jaydn Ott checks every one of those boxes.
Final Thoughts
Jaydn Ott’s flip to Oklahoma is more than just a recruiting win — it’s a foundational move that could shape the Sooners’ offensive identity in 2025 and beyond. For a program looking to reclaim its place among college football’s top-tier contenders, Ott could be the catalyst.
Expectations in Norman are high, and with Ott now in the mix, they’re only going higher. As the Sooners prepare for a brutal SEC schedule, having a dynamic playmaker in the backfield gives them a legitimate weapon — and fans plenty to be excited about.