Jim Nagy finally has a chance to bring a talent to Oklahoma he's been eyeing a long time

Jim Nagy has had his sights set since before he was even with the Oklahoma Sooners as their general manager.

According to multiple reports, California running back Jaydn Ott is planning to enter the transfer portal when it officially opens for the spring cycle on Wednesday. Shortly after Ott's intentions were known, Pete Nakos of On3 reported that OU was an early school to watch as Ott's next landing spot.

Sooners reportedly after Cal running back Jaydn Ott

Although more talent will enter the transfer portal once it's actually open, according to 247Sports, Ott is currently the second-best player available behind only former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who the Sooners can't pursue because of SEC rules and would still avoid regardless. Ott, a graduate transfer, will be the No. 1 running back on the market.

An ankle injury hindered Ott this past season, but in 2023 as a junior he was First-Team All-Pac-12 after leading the conference with 1,305 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. He's also dynamic on special teams as a return man, having more all-purpose yards than anyone else in FBS the last three seasons.

Despite having four running backs already as viable options in a rotation, the Sooners were speculated to be on the hunt for a running back during this spring cycle. Ott announced in December that he was staying at Cal, but there were reportedly multiple SEC programs after him with a lot more to offer, and apparently the Sooners were a part of that.

This is OU's first transfer cycle with new general manager Jim Nagy. It must have been Nagy who believed the Sooners needed another running back, and Ott might have been the exact player he had in mind.

Nagy has been gushing over Ott since he was scouting players as the executive director of the Reese's Senior Bowl.

The Sooners already had a crowded running back room with the expectation that at least one would leave during the spring, but the possible addition of Ott would definitely influence some movement. Sam Franklin is the low man on the totem poll and could be forced out. Gavin Sawchuk and/or Taylor Tatum could also head elsewhere for more playing time.

The transfer portal will be open for only a week-and-a-half until April 25, but expect a lot of action in Norman during that short span with Nagy now in control.