In a rare move in today's college football, Jaren Kanak is switching positions to succeed rather than teams.
After three years at linebacker for the Oklahoma Sooners, Kanak is switching sides of the ball and will play tight end during his senior season. There was speculation this was coming, but the position change became official when OU released its spring football roster on Thursday.
The Sooners are certainly deeper at linebacker than tight end. Tight ends coach Joe John Finley brought in three from the transfer portal this offseason, but none have Power Four experience. Freshman Trynae Washington also joined the position.
The transfers joined Kaden Helms, Kade McIntyre and Davon Mitchell. None got significant playing time last season.
Kanak played in every game the last three seasons as a linebacker or on special teams. He started nine games in 2023 before making just one start last season at cheetah against South Carolina.
His best season was in 2023, when he totaled 62 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble. He also returned a fumble for a touchdown in last season's season opener against Temple.
Lewis Carter forces the fumble.
β πΊπππππππ ππ. πΏππ πππππ (@soonergridiron) August 31, 2024
Jaren Kanak scoops and scores.#OUDNA | #BoomerSooner pic.twitter.com/Sr4mMi1c2H
Media got the first look at Kanak as a tight end during OU's first spring practice.
Hereβs some more of Kanak working at tight end. He didnβt look out of place. pic.twitter.com/gG8eJgcu3o
β George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) March 6, 2025
If we're keeping tabs on this count me 'IN' on content creator Jaren Kanak's move to tight end pic.twitter.com/X3N3LWHh1b
β Eddie Radosevich (@Eddie_Rado) March 7, 2025
At 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, Kanak certainly has the size and athletic ability to succeed on offense. He's no stranger to the offensive side of the ball either. Kanak broke the single-season rushing record and scored 23 touchdowns as a quarterback during his senior year at Hays High School in Kansas.
Jaren Kanak with the highlight reel TD run vs. Great Bend. pic.twitter.com/dLQnhs2ruE
β Hays HS Athletics and Activities (@HaysHighAD) September 11, 2021
Hays' Jaren Kanak is just a flat out athlete.
β Sports in Kansas (@sportsinkansas) November 13, 2021
The Clemson commit is projected as a LB at the college level, but plays QB for the Indians this year.
Kanak can't be kept out of the end zone on this crazy TD run in the 5A quarterfinals.
Eagles lead 27-22 at half.#sportsinkansas pic.twitter.com/gScykvs6tD
Even outside of his physical ability, OU coach Brent Venables said during his spring ball press conference that Kanak is the only player on the team that's in the facility more than new quarterback John Mateer. Venables wasn't even asked about Kanak and still brought him up.
Bob Stoops also praised Kanak and his willingness to switch positions during his appearance on KREF radio.
Bob Stoops thinks itβs great that Jaren Kanak is moving to the offensive side of the ball.
β The REF (@KREFsports) March 7, 2025
Stoops thinks Kanak has the athleticism to make an impact.
βI love his commitment to Oklahoma. Rather than just transfer, let me find the right position for me.β pic.twitter.com/ZUBPCJsija