Dusty Dvoracek reveals surprising name receiving offseason buzz

The Oklahoma Sooners know their rushing attack must improve significantly in 2026. Since joining the SEC, Oklahoma has struggled to consistently establish the run.

Last season, the Sooners ranked No. 113 in rushing yards per game at just 118.5 yards per game. The year before, Oklahoma finished No. 76 nationally, averaging 155.2 yards per game. As a result, the coaching staff spent the offseason evaluating how to rebuild the rushing attack. Coaches Kevin Wilson, Bill Bedenbaugh, Deland McCullough and Jason Witten have all been involved in emphasizing improvements to the ground game this offseason.

The offensive line will play an essential role in improving the running game. The running backs will be equally important. While Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock, along with freshmen Jonathan Hatton Jr. and DeZephen Walker, have received the most notoriety, ESPN's Dusty Dvoracek said there's another name getting a ton of buzz.

"The name I kept hearing was Lloyd Avant," Dvoracek said on KREF in Norman's 'The Plank Show.' "... That was the guy that everybody was buzzing about, which I found interesting... The potential X-factor... Lloyd Avant would be a name that I'm looking forward to hearing more about as we get into fall camp because it sure sounds like he left an impression on a lot of folks in spring."

Oklahoma doesn't necessarily need one running back to carry the offense in 2026, but it does need more consistency on the ground. If Avant can build on the momentum he created during spring practice, he could carve out an important role in a crowded backfield.

Combined with a more experienced offensive line, another reliable option at running back could be exactly what the Sooners need to develop the balanced offense required to compete for an SEC championship and another College Football Playoff berth.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on X @jaronspor.

This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Dusty Dvoracek reveals surprising name receiving offseason buzz