Jadyn Ott’s transfer to Oklahoma significantly strengthens the Sooners’ roster, making LSU football’s 2025 schedule even tougher. The dynamic running back adds a serious challenge to an already challenging season

The 2025 college football season is already shaping up to be a thrilling and competitive one, but the recent transfer of Jadyn Ott, the dynamic running back from California, to Oklahoma has raised the stakes for the LSU Tigers. This move not only strengthens the Sooners’ roster, but it also adds a significant challenge to an already tough schedule for LSU, a team that has been striving for consistency and supremacy in the SEC and national rankings.

The Arrival of Jadyn Ott at Oklahoma

Jadyn Ott’s decision to transfer from California to Oklahoma is a game-changer for the Sooners. Over the past few seasons, Ott has been one of the most explosive and dynamic running backs in the Pac-12, showcasing his speed, vision, and physicality on the field. In his time at California, Ott established himself as one of the most talented young backs in the country, racking up impressive rushing yards and touchdown totals. His performance made him one of the most highly coveted players in the transfer portal.

Oklahoma, known for its high-powered offense under head coach Brent Venables, has now added a key piece to further enhance its already potent attack. Ott’s abilities as both a runner and a pass-catcher give the Sooners a versatile weapon that can take over games in multiple ways. He possesses a rare blend of speed, agility, and power that allows him to break through tackles and make defenders miss. This skill set will be crucial for a team that is looking to make a serious push for Big 12 and College Football Playoff contention in 2025.

Impact on the Sooners’ Offense

With Jadyn Ott in the fold, Oklahoma’s offense becomes even more dangerous. The Sooners already feature a talented quarterback and receiving corps, but Ott’s presence adds another dimension to the offense that can help keep opposing defenses on their toes. Venables’ offensive schemes will now have the ability to use Ott in various roles, including as a workhorse back, a change-of-pace option, or as a reliable outlet in the passing game.

Ott’s explosive running style has the potential to break games wide open. His speed on the outside, combined with his ability to push through defenders between the tackles, allows Oklahoma to stretch the defense both horizontally and vertically. His capability to catch passes out of the backfield also provides the Sooners with a versatile weapon that will be difficult to scheme against. For LSU, preparing to face a team that has Ott will be no easy task, as the Tigers will need to account for his multifaceted game in every phase of the contest.

LSU’s 2025 Schedule: Already Challenging

The LSU Tigers are no strangers to tough schedules. Playing in the SEC, home to some of the most competitive teams in college football, LSU is always tasked with facing high-caliber opponents week in and week out. However, the 2025 season is poised to be particularly difficult for the Tigers. With matchups against Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, as well as in-state rivalries with LSU, the Tigers are already facing one of the toughest slates in the nation.

Additionally, the Tigers will be looking to compete at a high level following a season of impressive development under head coach Brian Kelly. Kelly, who has worked hard to elevate LSU back into the ranks of national title contenders, will have his work cut out for him in 2025, as the Tigers face a loaded SEC schedule, in addition to non-conference matchups that will test their mettle.

While LSU’s schedule always features tough opponents, the addition of Jadyn Ott to Oklahoma’s roster intensifies the challenge for the Tigers. LSU is scheduled to face Oklahoma as part of the SEC-Big 12 matchup. This game, typically a highlight of the season, is now one of the most difficult tests on LSU’s 2025 schedule. With the Sooners gaining a dynamic weapon in Ott, LSU will need to be at its absolute best to come out with a win.

How Jadyn Ott Will Challenge LSU’s Defense

LSU’s defense has long been one of its strongest units. The Tigers are known for producing top-tier defensive talent, with players like Minkah Fitzpatrick, Deion Jones, and Devery Henderson leaving their mark on college football. But, even the most dominant defenses need to be prepared for the challenge posed by a player like Jadyn Ott.

Ott’s explosiveness is the kind of weapon that can turn a game on its head in an instant. His speed and vision allow him to take over games, making him a major threat both on the ground and in the passing game. For LSU’s defense, this means an increased level of preparation. They will have to be disciplined in their tackling, as Ott’s ability to break arm tackles is one of his defining features. LSU’s defensive front will need to bring more than just basic rush tactics; they will need to collapse the pocket quickly and contain Ott’s burst through the line of scrimmage.

Furthermore, Ott’s versatility makes him a difficult player to scheme against. In the passing game, he’s proven capable of running precise routes and making big plays after the catch. LSU’s linebackers will need to track Ott closely in space to prevent him from racking up yards after contact. With Brian Kelly’s defense focused on shutting down an offensive powerhouse, containing Ott will require both discipline and creativity.

Keys to LSU’s Success Against Oklahoma

For LSU to have success against a high-powered offense like Oklahoma with Jadyn Ott, the team will need to focus on several critical aspects of the game:

1. Containment of Ott’s Big Plays

Ott is known for his ability to break off huge runs. Whether on designed runs or scrambles, he can turn a small gain into a game-changing play. LSU’s defense must work to keep Ott in front of them and limit his ability to turn short runs into massive gains. This will require disciplined defensive line play and a strong, fundamentally sound tackling scheme.

2. Physical Defensive Line Play

The LSU defensive line must be physical with Oklahoma’s offensive line. By winning the battle in the trenches, LSU can make it more difficult for Ott to find running lanes and exploit the defense. This will also put more pressure on Oklahoma’s quarterback and force them into more predictable situations.

3. Offensive Control

While LSU’s defense will be under pressure, the Tigers’ offense will also need to do its part. By controlling the ball and sustaining drives, LSU can keep Oklahoma’s offense off the field. The longer LSU can possess the ball and keep Ott from getting more touches, the better their chances of limiting the damage he can do.

4. Adjusting to Ott’s Versatility

Ott’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield and contribute in multiple ways means LSU’s secondary and linebackers must be prepared for the possibility of facing a multi-dimensional offensive game plan. LSU’s defense needs to be versatile and ready for any situation, whether Ott is lined up as a traditional running back or split out as a wide receiver.

The Bigger Picture: What Ott’s Transfer Means for LSU and College Football

Jadyn Ott’s transfer to Oklahoma goes beyond just being a challenge for LSU. It serves as a reminder of the shifting dynamics in college football, where the transfer portal has become a significant factor in team composition. Oklahoma’s ability to land a player of Ott’s caliber showcases the power of the transfer portal and how it allows teams to address immediate needs and add star power to their rosters. For LSU, it underscores the importance of staying competitive in the transfer portal and preparing for the unexpected.

Looking beyond 2025, Ott’s transfer is likely to have ripple effects across college football. Oklahoma will now be an even more dangerous opponent for teams both within the Big 12 and outside it, while the SEC will have to deal with another explosive player in the already highly competitive landscape.

Jadyn Ott’s decision to transfer to Oklahoma significantly raises the stakes for LSU’s 2025 football season. As the Tigers prepare for a tough slate of opponents, the addition of a game-changing running back like Ott makes an already challenging schedule even more daunting. His skills in both the rushing and receiving game will require LSU’s defense to be disciplined, creative, and physical. For LSU, the key will be to find ways to contain Ott and capitalize on offensive opportunities to control the game.

While Oklahoma’s acquisition of Ott is a major boost for the Sooners, it is also a reminder that college football is always evolving. The transfer portal has become a major factor in shaping rosters, and teams like LSU will need to stay on top of these changes to remain competitive. The Tigers are set to face an even tougher challenge in 2025, but if they can rise to the occasion, they could find themselves in the national title hunt. One thing is for sure: the 2025 season just got a lot more interesting for LSU football.