Sooners are likely going to get a chance to see what one of their former elite recruits can really do for once
The Sooners will miss Taylor Tatum.
There’s been much discussion about what the Oklahoma Sooners have gained in the transfer portal. They’ve excelled in the first week, adding key pieces that should improve them in 2026.
However, they also lost strong players. In the transfer portal era, programs gain and lose talent constantly. A key loss is Taylor Tatum, the former No. 1 running back in the 2024 class. His ability to break tackles, accelerate through gaps, and make plays out of the backfield hinted at a high-impact future for the Sooners.
Next season, OU could finally see what Tatum could have become — except he’ll be playing against OU.
Tatum transfers from the Sooners to a 2026 opponent
In 2026, Oklahoma will finish its home-and-away series against Michigan. As in 2025, they’ll meet in Week 2, but this time on the road. If Tatum is healthy, OU may face him there.
The No. 1 RB in 2024 never truly showed his potential at OU — not for any reason on OU’s part, as far as we know, but simply because Tatum was constantly injured. Coaches and fans saw flashes—quick cuts, power, vision — when he was available.
Without his late-season injury, Tatum’s skills might have buoyed a depleted Sooners backfield, which entered its final games with only Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock, both badly beaten up.
The little bit we did see of Tatum was good. He showed the ability to contribute as a playmaker when healthy. However, availability is the best ability. In two seasons, he played 12 total games, rushed for 277 yards on 57 carries, and had three rushing touchdowns.
Michigan, known for its ground-and-pound approach and expected to maintain that style under Kyle Whittingham, may give Tatum the opportunity to make an impact with his skill set and athleticism.
Sooners fans wish the young man the best —that is, unless he is playing Oklahoma, in which case all hope is for a Sooners win.
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