Oklahoma’s home opener handed the Sooners an early answer at running back when Lloyd Avant turned a lukewarm reception into production on the field.
Avant carried 15 times for 79 rushing yards and a 13-yard touchdown while adding a six-yard catch against UTEP, as first reported by A to Z Sports, though the opponent and small sample size temper the result.
Key Takeaways
- Lloyd Avant arrived from the transfer portal and produced 79 rushing yards and a 13-yard touchdown against UTEP, forcing a re-evaluation of his role.
- The performance addresses immediate running back depth concerns after a 2025 season that left the Sooners short-handed late in the year.
- Avant showed multi-phase value, including pass protection and a catch for six yards, earning praise from offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.
Lloyd Avant can change Oklahoma’s backfield rotation
What looked like an offseason depth add quickly became a lead-role audition when Avant handled the early workload and delivered consistent gains.
The first drive signaled intent: three of the first four plays were runs and Avant took all three, turning them into 12-, 13- and 7-yard gains that set the tone for the night.
Across the game Avant finished with 15 carries for 79 yards and a 13-yard touchdown, plus one catch for six yards, showing he can handle a variety of carries without shying from contact.
Ben Arbuckle’s postgame assessment — “Lloyd came out and played his butt off. He’s been exactly who we thought he’d be.” — carries weight coming from the offensive coordinator and signals the staff’s confidence in Avant’s early-season role.
How Avant’s UTEP performance compares to the 2025 backfield state
Oklahoma’s backfield was depleted late in 2025, leaving the staff to prioritize depth additions in the offseason to avoid a repeat scenario.
Avant’s arrival from Colorado State provided a veteran presence alongside young options like true freshman Jonathan Hatton and return-to-health candidate DeZephan Walker.
Xavier Robinson showed flashes in the opener as well, but Avant’s consistent between-the-tackles work and competence in pass protection separate him from a pure special-teams projection into a likely top-two role.
Data and context for Avant and Sooners running backs
| Category | Verified context |
|---|---|
| Avant vs UTEP | 15 carries for 79 yards, one 13-yard touchdown, and one catch for six yards; three of the first four plays were runs that produced gains of 12, 13 and 7 yards. |
| 2025 backfield state | The running back room was depleted late in 2025 and the staff targeted offseason additions to restore depth and sustain a 2026 workload. |
| Role fit and versatility | Avant demonstrated physical inside running, competence in pass protection, and short-yardage receiving ability that address multiple needs identified by the offense. |
What this means for SEC standings recruiting and CFP chances
From a roster-construction standpoint, Avant’s performance reduces pressure on the Sooners to rely solely on freshmen or untested depth as the season progresses.
Stabilizing the running back room early can help recruiting conversations and NIL positioning, while preserving offensive balance that matters when facing higher-caliber SEC opponents in 2026 and chasing College Football Playoff access.
