Brent Venables sheds light on Jovantae Barnes, OU running back depth situation

NCAA Football: Oklahoma at Temple — Sep 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Jovantae Barnes (2) reacts after rushing for a touchdown against the Temple Owls in the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

It's no secret that the running back situation is not ideal for OU. With one regular-season game remaining and the College Football Playoff looming, the Sooners are leaning heavily on sophomore Xavier Robinson and freshman Tory Blaylock. And neither guy is fully healthy. Robinson is dealing with a knee sprain, while Blaylock has been battling a shoulder injury all season.