In an unexpected turn of events, two running backs from the Oklahoma Sooners football team have officially announced their departure from the program, citing struggles with performance and a desire for new opportunities. The announcements came as a surprise to many fans and analysts, as the pair had previously been considered key players in the team’s future success.
The departure of the two athletes marks a significant shakeup for the Sooners’ backfield, a position that has historically been a strength for the program. Both running backs, whose names have been withheld for privacy reasons, issued statements explaining their decision to step away from the team. In a heartfelt message, one of the players thanked the coaching staff, teammates, and the passionate Oklahoma fanbase for their support throughout their time at the university.
“I want to start by saying thank you to all my coaches, teammates, and the fans who have supported me throughout my journey with the Sooners,” the first player said. “It’s been an incredible experience, and I’ve learned so much. But after much reflection, I’ve come to the difficult decision that it’s time to move on. I’ve faced challenges on the field, and it’s clear to me that in order to reach my full potential, I need a fresh start. I will forever be grateful for my time here, and I wish nothing but the best for this program.”
The second player echoed similar sentiments in their statement, acknowledging the personal and professional growth they experienced in Norman but admitting that things did not go as planned on the field.
“Thank you to the University of Oklahoma and everyone who has supported me,” they wrote. “This decision has been incredibly tough, but I’ve realized that my time here has come to an end. I’ve struggled with consistency, and while I’ve worked hard to improve, I’ve reached a point where I believe I need to pursue new challenges elsewhere. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this program, but it’s time to move forward.”
The Sooners’ coaching staff, led by head coach Brent Venables, expressed their understanding and support of the players’ decisions. Venables, who took over as head coach in 2022, has been focusing on building a balanced, high-performing squad that can compete at the highest level. He acknowledged that while the departure of two key players was a blow to the team, he respects their decision to prioritize their personal development.
“We understand the personal and professional challenges that come with playing at a high level, and we fully support our players’ decisions,” Venables said in a statement. “We wish them all the best as they move on to the next chapter of their careers. We will continue to focus on developing the talent we have on the roster and preparing for the upcoming season.”
The Sooners have been working to strengthen their running back room through recruiting, and this departure only adds to the pressure on the remaining players to step up in the 2025 season. While the program has seen some struggles in recent years, it remains a powerhouse in college football, and many are eager to see how the team will respond to this latest challenge.
The announcement has also raised questions about the team’s future offensive strategy and how they will address the void left by these two departures. As spring practices continue, all eyes will be on the Oklahoma Sooners’ backfield, with fans hoping for new faces to rise to the occasion and make a significant impact in the coming season.
