yahoo
Following Oklahoma's College Football Playoff appearance last season, head coach Brent Venables initiated a series of changes to elevate the program's performance. Recognizing that mere playoff qualification falls short of the standard at Oklahoma, Venables targeted the tight end room as a key area for improvement.
In a significant move, Venables dismissed long-time tight ends coach Joe Jon Finley, an Oklahoma alum, and brought in former Dallas Cowboys standout Jason Witten, who had been coaching high school football in Texas. The coaching change was accompanied by an aggressive approach to the transfer portal, securing commitments from Hayden Hansen (Florida), Rocky Beers (Colorado State), and Jack Van Dorselaer (Tennessee), all expected to make substantial contributions this season.
Versatility on the Horizon
ESPN analyst Cole Cubelic discussed the revamped tight end group on "The Oklahoma Breakdown with Ikard and Lehman," highlighting the newfound flexibility it brings. "That kind of versatility, running the same things that allows us to be consistent," Cubelic explained. "We don't have to run 57 plays. We can run 10 plays 57 ways, and that gives us a lot of advantages to stay consistent and build that continuity."
Cubelic also noted the unique attributes of the new additions, particularly Hansen's length, which could prove valuable in red-zone situations. "I don't know if there is a true grinder in that group," he said, "But I do know with Hansen you get a ton of length. So, in the red zone, he's going to be a guy that can help you in a ton of ways."
The tight end position was a critical weakness that needed addressing for Oklahoma's offense to progress. With Witten's experience and the influx of talented transfers, the Sooners now possess the versatility they lacked previously. If this group can integrate effectively, it could enhance offensive balance and make Oklahoma a more formidable challenge for opposing defenses in 2026.
Originally reported by yahoo.