Oklahoma’s leading rusher from 2023 enters transfer portal after getting squeezed out

With just hours to spare before it closes, Oklahoma running back Gavin Sawchuk is headed to the transfer portal.

Pete Nakos of On3 reported Friday night that Sawchuk plans to enter the transfer portal to escape what's become a crowded running back room in Norman. The transfer portal closes for the spring at the end of the day Friday.

Gavin Sawchuk enters transfer portal to escape Sooners' crowded running back room

This was an expected departure, even considering Sawchuk's past success with OU. He led the Sooners in rushing in 2023 with 744 yards, averaging 6.2 yards a carry, and nine touchdowns.

Sawchuk got little opportunity last season, though. He played in nine games, getting just 39 carries for 128 yards and one score. For comparison, he had 120 carries the season before.

No running back who got carries over Sawchuk last year left the program, either. The Sooners also just added Cal transfer Jaydn Ott, who was the No. 1 running back in the transfer portal this spring.

Ott should assume the Sooners' lead running back role in 2025. That would bump Jovantae Barnes down to No. 2 and Xavier Robinson likely the third option. That would have left Sawchuk battling with Taylor Tatum to be the Sooners' fourth option in the backfield, with new quarterback John Mateer also stealing some carries.

The running back room also includes Sawchuk's younger brother, Gabe, a redshirt freshman.

Sawchuk is the Sooners' second causality this spring because of that congested backfield. It was reported that Sam Franklin would enter the transfer portal on April 15. Just a few hours later, OU announced it signed Ott.

He can't transfer to another SEC program, but Sawchuk should end up at another Power 4 program.

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