Jaydn Ott cites playing with John Mateer as deciding factor between Oklahoma, Georgia

Arguably, no bigger name entered the spring NCAA transfer portal window than Jaydn Ott. The Cal running back had plans to move on, apparently looking to play in the SEC. While Oklahoma wound up earning his services, Ott says another SEC program was in the running.

“I just felt like it was time to move on,” Ott said of his move via On3’s Sooner Scoop. “I really kind of had my mind made up — it was between here and Georgia. Talked to the coaches when I went in the portal and went down fairly quickly. It felt like a good spot for me here.”

Oklahoma ultimately won out for Ott’s services, a massive win for the Sooners. Georgia wound up snagging Josh McCray from Syracuse. Both schools were in search for some running back help this offseason and Ott was at the center of it all. Advantage, Brent Venables.

So why did Ott choose to play in Norman instead of Athens? Turns out, John Mateer was the most attractive part of the equation. Quality quarterbacks always attract more talent, even if they take some touches away from running backs. Mateer himself is considered a dual-threat guy who is not afraid to call his own number.

But the offense, as a whole, is going to help Ott settle in nicely. He got to face off against OC Ben Arbuckle in the Pac-12 days and felt a sense of familiarity.

“Getting to play with John Mateer,” Ott said. “I think they have something good going on. This offense is very familiar. I played against Arbuckle and his offense at Wazzu when I was at Cal. I was just familiar with what he has going on, so I thought it was a good place.”

Oklahoma is banking on Mateer and Ott being the best portal duo this season. Venables has put together a solid defensive unit, competing well against the SEC. Last season’s issues derived from poor offensive play and this offseason brought major overhauls. The three biggest ones are now linked to each other in Arbuckle, Mateer, and Ott.

Mateer was the crown jewel, while Ott can come in and be the final piece of the puzzle. Massive things are expected from them and right away. There will almost be no easy weeks on the schedule due to a nonconference game against Michigan and then one of the SEC’s toughest schedules. Great way to grind through it all is having a dependable running back.