TE Hayden Hansen Bullish on Oklahoma's Revamped Run Game

As Brent Venables works to restore OU's rushing attack, a key offseason addition has high praise for the unit's progress.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:10am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an Oklahoma football player running with the ball, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.A cubist interpretation of Oklahoma's renewed focus on the run game this spring, with the offensive line and tight ends leading the way.Norman Today

Transfer tight end Hayden Hansen, who played three seasons at Florida, has been impressed with Oklahoma's run game this spring. Despite the Sooners being down their top two running backs, Hansen says the younger backs have consistently showcased their skills, aided by the tight ends' blocking. Hansen believes the run game is a major focus for the team and that the offensive line is making strong progress toward that goal.

Why it matters

Improving the run game is a top priority for Oklahoma this offseason after the Sooners struggled on the ground in recent seasons. If the offensive line and tight ends can provide better run blocking, it should take significant pressure off the passing game and quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

The details

Hansen, who transferred from Florida, says the Sooners are 'pounding the rock' in every practice this spring. With top backs Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock out, the younger running backs have stepped up, with Hansen and the tight ends providing strong blocking. Hansen believes the 12-personnel and 11-personnel packages are looking good and that the team is making the run game a major emphasis under new head coach Brent Venables.

  • Oklahoma began spring practices in late March 2026.

The players

Hayden Hansen

A transfer tight end who played three seasons at Florida before joining Oklahoma this offseason.

Brent Venables

Oklahoma's new head coach, who has made improving the run game a top priority this offseason.

Xavier Robinson

One of Oklahoma's top running backs who is out this spring.

Tory Blaylock

Another of Oklahoma's top running backs who is out this spring.

Dillon Gabriel

Oklahoma's starting quarterback, who will benefit from an improved run game.

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What they’re saying

“I've got some news for you, (the run game is) here. It's looking good. We are pounding the rock, every practice. It's a beautiful thing to see.”

— Hayden Hansen, Transfer Tight End

“There's a certain level of expectations when you walk through that door. Venables always said every day should be a Super Bowl. The second you lose that mentality, you'll get exposed.”

— Hayden Hansen, Transfer Tight End

What’s next

Oklahoma will continue spring practices through April, with the annual spring game scheduled for April 22. The Sooners will look to build on the progress made in the run game as they prepare for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

After struggling to run the ball effectively in recent seasons, Oklahoma appears to be making significant strides in revamping its ground game this spring. The addition of transfer tight end Hayden Hansen, along with the emphasis Brent Venables has placed on the run, has the Sooners' offense poised to take a big step forward in 2026.