The last time the Heisman Trophy committee named two running backs as finalists for college football’s most prestigious award was in 2015. The previous 11 years had occurred in 2013, 2011, 2009 and 2004.
Football has changed. The days of most teams relying on one ultra-dominant defender are dwindling. It can still be done, but even consider last year’s two Super Bowl teams. TreyVeon Henderson carried the ball 180 times for the New England Patriots, and Rhamondre Stevenson carried the ball 130 times. Kenneth Walker III of the Seattle Seahawks ran the ball 221 times, while Zach Charbonnet ran the ball 184 more times.
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Ever since Dede Westbrook was a Heisman finalist in 2016, Oklahoma State fans have been craving an elite running back. Oklahoma has used a committee approach the past three seasons. Two of those seasons resulted in a 10-3 record and a final appearance in the College Football Playoff.
New running backs coach Deland McCullough also believes the at least two-head approach will continue. He previously served at the University of Notre Dame and last year played in the NFL with the Raiders.
“I teach these guys, ‘Don’t be driven by extreme numbers,’ McCullough told ESPN. “You can have extreme numbers, but you can also have extreme wear and tear. “
McCullough said when he scouted, he wasn’t looking for a starting back. He wants defenders to maximize their contact with the ball. Less carry means a fresher body.
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Of course, Oklahoma State hopes to be more efficient in the backfield in 2026. Last year, the Sooners averaged 3.54 yards per carry, ranking 118th out of 136 FBS teams. Tory Blaylock, a rising sophomore who had a strong early season but struggled late in the game, handed the ball to Xavier Robinson in the second half. They, along with quarterback John Martel, gave Oklahoma a seemingly quick offense that was enough to make Oklahoma’s offense dangerous.
But next year’s improvement will likely come from greater efficiency rather than Blaylock, Robinson or Colorado State transfer Lloyd Avant stepping up and taking complete control of the job.
“They have to sit there and see, ‘Wait a minute, this works,'” McCullough said. “Odrick (Estime) had 1,300 yards, 18 touchdowns, but until Game 10, he only played 47 snaps, 48 percent of the offense. It’s about allowing guys to be very, very successful and efficient.”
This article originally appeared in Sooners Wire: Oklahoma State player Deland McCullough brings NFL pedigree
