Oklahoma Sooners true freshman Johnathon Hatton just got a huge compliment from a teammate that he’ll take to the grave with him
The Oklahoma Sooners should have a better running game in 2026, and Jonathan Hatton could be a reason why.
The Oklahoma Sooners are entering the 2026 season hoping for big years from several true freshmen. That would be nothing new for this program. Last season, OU started true freshman running back Tory Blaylock, who had a solid year. Could Jonathon Hatton be in a similar situation?
True freshman three-star Courtland Guillory played cornerback and emerged as one of the best corners in the SEC. True freshmen making plays dotted the roster throughout 2025.
But playing as a true freshman is never guaranteed, especially on a team as talented as Oklahoma. The Sooners made the College Football Playoff last season and nearly won a game before falling short to Alabama in the first round. They got there on the backs of their defense. The offense was terrible, and the defense carried the load every single week.
This year, the defense has a chance to be good again, but the offense should not be anywhere near as bad. OU has made improvements everywhere on the offensive side of the roster, and because of that, the run game could open up significantly. The Sooners added tight ends Hayden Hansen and Rocky Beers to help with blocking in the run game. If the ground attack opens up, true freshman running back Jonathan Hatton could get some carries.
Where Hatton sits on the depth chart
Right now, Hatton is probably fourth on the depth chart based on everything we’ve heard from running backs coach Deland McCullough. Lloyd Avant, the transfer portal addition from Colorado State, would likely be the RB1. Xavier Robinson and Blaylock would slot in behind him, with Hatton sitting at running back No. 4.
Being fourth on the depth chart doesn’t mean Hatton won’t play. The running back position is one of the most difficult to sustain in college football. Backs get hurt often, and teams always need a lot of depth, especially in the SEC where the physicality takes a toll. Hatton could also see the field earlier in the year when the Sooners are playing some of their weaker non-conference opponents.
Hatton earning praise from one of OU’s fastest players
Hatton has been standing out in camp and throughout the offseason. When asked about the freshman, Oklahoma safety Isaiah Setenya, perhaps the fastest player on the team, didn’t hesitate.
“I would say Jonathan Hatton. He’s going to be a good one. He’s explosive, a big-body guy, and pretty fast too. He’s one of the fastest on the team,” Setenya said.
That’s something Hatton will take to the grave with him, or in other words, you don’t normally see players talk about someone else being the fastest guy on the team. Because to all of these guys, it’s a competition within the team. Every one of them wants to be the fastest on the team.
That kind of endorsement carries weight. When one of the fastest players on your roster singles out a true freshman for his speed and explosiveness, it speaks to the kind of upside Hatton brings. The Sooners would like to get him going, and with improved blocking and a deeper offensive attack, it may only be a matter of time before Hatton earns meaningful reps.
