Oklahoma’s offense bottomed out in 2024, leading to a lot of much-needed change on that side of the ball. Fast forward just two seasons, and it’s wild how few of the key players who contributed to that dismal fall unit are even still around. All the coordinators and play-callers? Gone. Only offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh and wide receivers coach Emmett Jones remain from the position coaches, and on the field, we’re talking a literal handful of guys like offensive lineman Heath Ozaeta, tight end Kade McIntyre, wide receivers Jacob Jordan and Ivan Carreon, and running back Xavier Robinson. That’s pretty much it.
Xavier Robinson: The Last Man Standing From a Tough Era
Among that small crew, Robinson’s impact is arguably the biggest. This guy is now the longest-tenured member of the Sooners’ running back room, a serious veteran presence heading into 2026. Last year, when he was healthy, we saw flashes of a player who could absolutely elevate their run game. But then, man, he got banged-up at the end of the season, and his running mate Tory Blaylock did too. After missing all of spring ball, the good news is Robinson is healthy this fall. He’s back, ready to lead the charge for the OU ballcarriers. He even spoke to the media about how he’s stepped up as a leader, saying, “Being one of the vets, being here for like two years, for me that’s what I have to do. That’s my job. I’ve got to be able to give advice, lead, show guys what to do from the experience of being here. That’s what I like doing.” You gotta love that ownership! He’s also quick to credit his squad, adding, “I got my teammates who encourage me every day. I got the coaches, who got my back, helping me get through adversity since my surgery. I’m just glad to be back out with my team.”
“Show It, Don’t Just Say It” , How OU Is Getting Downhill
Head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Ben Arbuckle have been crystal clear: the OU offense needs to run the ball way more effectively in 2026. Robinson isn’t just talking; he’s all in on that mission. “I mean, getting the ball, you got to get downhill, and that’s our job, especially in the SEC,” he told the media. “We got to be able to run the ball, and that’s what we’re committed to.” While he admits he’s never been the super vocal type, Robinson says he’s growing into his leadership role. “I’ve never been the vocal type,” he said. “It’s really more showing it. But in the room, I just want to lead and help my guys get better throughout my experiences.” After how his 2025 season ended, with those nagging injuries, Robinson is fired up to prove exactly what he can do this fall. “Every day, man,” he explained. “I just want to prove something to myself, prove something to my teammates, stay accountable and be there for my guys.”
Look, if the Sooners want to hit their stride this year, the best thing that could happen is Robinson fully embracing that bellcow role and flashing that high-level play we saw from him late last October and early November. The junior from Carl Albert High School believes he’s a totally different player now than when he first stepped into the Switzer Center back in that doomed 2024 campaign. “For me, when you’re a freshman, you’re really just trying to run the ball,” he said. “Now you’re thinking a lot of stuff out there on.” He’s got his head in the game, he’s healthy, and he’s leading by example. This is exactly what OU needs to get that run game cooking.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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