National outlet already considers Oklahoma's new running back the best in the SEC

It didn't take long for the John Mateer hype to escalate after he got to Oklahoma, and now the expectations are rising even more rapidly for new running back Jaydn Ott.

Ott on Tuesday signed with the Sooners after transferring from California with one year of eligibility left. OU announced Ott's signing along with Stanford offensive lineman Jake Maikkula.

At the time, Ott was the No. 1 running back available in the transfer portal, according to 247Sports, and it likely would have remained that way throughout the spring transfer cycle, which officially started on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, less than 24 hours after Ott's signing, CBS Sports released a list of where Ott ranks among SEC running backs, and the outlet immediately labeled Ott as the best in the conference.

CBS Sports ranks Jaydn Ott best running back in SEC

Ott battled injuries last season so his numbers didn't pop out. However, he showed all he needed to during a healthy campaign in 2023.

In 2023, Ott led the Pac-12 with 1,305 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging 5.3 yards a carry. He was named First-Team All-Pac-12. Ott also rushed for 897 yards and eight scores as a freshman in 2022.

Ott is also a weapon on special teams. In just three returns during that impressive 2023 season, Ott had 144 yards and a TD. He has more all-purpose yards than anyone else in FBS during the last three seasons.

Now, Ott joins OU's new and what should be improved offense under new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle. And unlike at Cal, Ott won't be the only threat to for defense's to zone in on with Mateer at quarterback.

Shehan Jeyarajah wrote in the CBS Sports article, "Ott will slot into Oklahoma's lineup and give them the high-caliber offensive playmaker that they haven't seen since Eric Gray and Marvin Mims graduated."

Those comparisons will raise some eyebrows and get Sooner Nation pumped, especially considering the kind of hype Mateer is also getting nationwide.