Oklahoma predicted to double its rushing touchdowns in 2026
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The Oklahoma Sooners enter the 2026 season hoping the work they put in this offseason to fix the running game comes to fruition. The Sooners ranked No. 113 in rushing offense last year at 118.5 yards per game.
That total was the second-worst among teams that made the College Football Playoff, only above the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Sooners also averaged just 1.4 touchdowns per game on the ground, ranking tied for No. 78 in college football. Oklahoma hopes to change that this season as it returned leading running backs Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock, while adding transfer Lloyd Avant and four-star freshman Jonathan Hatton Jr.
Former Sooner Gabe Ikard believes the new emphasis will lead to Oklahoma doubling its rushing touchdowns from last season.
"This feels very bold," Ikard said on 'The Oklahoma Breakdown with Ikard and Lehman.' "The Oklahoma Sooners will double their number of rushing touchdowns from 2025. Double. I said double. We had 18 rushing touchdowns last season."
The numbers from last season make it clear why the running game has become such a major storyline. Oklahoma finished with just 18 rushing touchdowns. For a team with College Football Playoff aspirations, that's an area that has to improve. The good news is that Oklahoma isn't starting from scratch.
If Oklahoma can get more consistent production from that group, it should take some of the burden off Mateer and give offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle a more balanced attack.
Ikard's prediction may sound bold, but that's exactly what makes the run game one of the most important things to watch when Oklahoma takes the field. If the Sooners even come close to doubling those 18 rushing touchdowns, they'll have taken a major step toward proving last year's offensive struggles are behind them.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma predicted to double its rushing touchdowns in 2026
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