Oklahoma freshman running back Taylor Tatum is poised for increased playing time, as confirmed by OU coach Brent Venables during his coach’s show on Monday. Tatum, who played a season-high 27 snaps against Tulane, has impressed with his performances and will continue to see more action.
Tatum’s development has been noteworthy despite a late start to college football. Instead of joining Oklahoma in the spring, he completed his senior year at Longview High School (TX) to focus on baseball. Tatum, ranked as the 43rd-best outfielder in Texas by Perfect Game, was also recognized as the top running back in the 2025 class by 247Sports.
Venables reminisced about a visit to Tatum’s baseball practice in January, where he was struck by Tatum’s athleticism and potential. “I saw him in action on a chilly night in Longview, and he definitely stood out,” Venables said.
Though Tatum didn’t begin practicing with the football team until summer, he made an immediate impact in his debut. In the season opener against Temple, he was one of 23 freshmen to see action. Despite limited opportunities in subsequent games, Tatum showcased his talent with a standout performance against Tulane, where he rushed for 27 yards on nine carries, including two touchdowns. His 35-yard run against Houston was also a highlight.
Venables noted Tatum’s explosiveness and power, stating, “He’s got great power and you can see his explosiveness.” However, he also acknowledged the need for Tatum to develop a well-rounded skill set, including pass protection and versatility.
In the recent game against Tulane, Tatum’s 27 snaps were the second-most among OU running backs, surpassing last season’s leading rusher Gavin Sawchuk’s 21 snaps. His contributions included a 9-yard touchdown reception and a 1-yard rushing score, further solidifying his role in the offense.
Venables emphasized that while Tatum still has much to learn, he is progressing daily. “He’s getting better every day, and you’ll see more and more of him,” Venables said. As Tatum continues to develop, fans can expect to see him play an increasingly significant role in Oklahoma’s offensive strategy.
