Jaydn Ott expected to be more involved against Michigan: 'He's in a great headspace'
NORMAN — One of the surprises of Oklahoma’s 35-3 win over Illinois State last weekend was Jaydn Ott’s usage.
Or specifically, the lack of it.
Ott saw just one carry and played just four total snaps against the Redbirds. He didn’t enter the game on offense until the fourth quarter, though he did participate as a kick returner on special teams.
Ott’s lack of playing time was interesting, given he was a highly-touted transfer player and was expected to immediately assume responsibilities as the top running back. OU coach Brent Venables briefly gave an update during Monday’s Coaches Show.
“He missed a lot of practice,” Venables explained. “But you’re going to see a lot more of him.”
The Sooners are surely going to need Ott a lot more against Michigan.
Without Ott the Sooners struggled to run the ball against the Redbirds, finishing with 102 yards on 33 carries (3.3 yards per carry). Jovantae Barnes got the start and totaled nine yards on seven carries. Tory Blaylock — who looked explosive, finishing with 44 yards on eight carries and a touchdown — left the game early in the third quarter and didn’t return.
Michigan is coming off a 34-17 win over New Mexico, when the defense surrendered just 50 yards on 28 carries. Especially with Blaylock’s status up in the air for Saturday, the Sooners are going to need Ott on the field.
“He’s one of the more explosive players in college football,” Venables elaborated during Tuesday’s press conference. “He was banged up last year. He was banged up in camp, but looks to be close to 100%. And when he’s at his best, we’ve all seen people that know his journey, what he’s capable of. So he’s a real weapon, and I think he’ll play a real factor in our season moving forward.
“So I’m excited about that, to have another weapon like that on our offense. And we’re going to need him.”
The Sooners added Ott after three seasons at Cal. He broke out in 2023 with 1,315 yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging over five yards per carry. However, he missed time during fall camp with a shoulder injury, and the gameplan against Illinois State didn’t include him.
That shouldn’t be the case against Michigan.
“Jaydn Ott’s in a great headspace,” OU offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle said. “I actually got to meet with him this morning, too, and Jaydn Ott’s in a great headspace, and I’m excited for this week and watching him get to go, watching him practice and getting him out there against Michigan.”