Kaydin Jones, a Four-Star Running Back, Makes the Oklahoma Sooners’ Top Five for 2025
Recruiting in college football is always a competitive and highly strategic process, and when it comes to Oklahoma Sooners football, running back recruitment has often been a key focus. Over the years, the Sooners have produced a number of standout running backs, from Adrian Peterson to Samaje Perine and Kennedy Brooks, all of whom have become household names in college football. As the 2025 recruiting class heats up, Kaydin Jones, a four-star running back from Tulsa, Oklahoma, has recently solidified his place among the Sooners’ top five recruiting targets for the upcoming season.
Jones is a dynamic and well-rounded running back who has already gained significant attention from major programs across the country. His ability to be a threat both in the run game and as a pass-catcher out of the backfield makes him an exciting prospect for Oklahoma as they look to build for the future.
In this article, we’ll break down Kaydin Jones’ strengths, why he fits perfectly into the Oklahoma Sooners’ offensive system, and what his commitment would mean for the program’s recruiting efforts in 2025.
Kaydin Jones: A Rising Star from Tulsa
At 6 feet, 205 pounds, Kaydin Jones has the ideal frame to excel at the college level. Known for his combination of speed, power, and agility, Jones is a well-balanced back capable of being utilized in multiple ways. He has a unique ability to change direction quickly, allowing him to make defenders miss in the open field, but also possesses the strength to power through tackles when needed.
Jones has been a dominant force in high school football in the state of Oklahoma. As a key player for Tulsa Union High School, he has consistently showcased his elite skill set, leading his team to success on the field. His production speaks for itself: over 1,500 rushing yards and 20+ touchdowns in a single season, making him one of the top backs in the entire state. His ability to break away for long runs and pick up significant yardage after contact has made him a serious threat in high school football and a prospect that college coaches are eager to land.
What makes Jones stand out even more is his versatility. Not only is he an explosive rusher, but he also has great hands as a receiver. His ability to line up in the backfield or as a receiver out wide is a trait that has become highly coveted by modern offenses in college football. Oklahoma’s up-tempo, spread-style offense would allow Jones to flourish in multiple ways.
Jones’ Impact on the Oklahoma Sooners’ Running Back Room
The Oklahoma Sooners have historically been known for their ability to produce elite running backs, and in recent years, they’ve continued to build upon that tradition with solid recruits. For example, Kennedy Brooks had a standout career at Oklahoma, leading the Sooners’ ground game for multiple years, while Eric Gray made a significant impact in 2022 before declaring for the NFL Draft. Looking ahead, Kaydin Jones could be the perfect fit to continue this legacy, offering a mix of explosive plays and versatility that fits well with head coach Brent Venables’ vision.
An Ideal Fit for Oklahoma’s Offense
Oklahoma’s offensive identity has often revolved around a high-powered passing game combined with a strong, balanced running attack. While the Sooners have consistently featured dynamic quarterbacks, the ground game has always been a pivotal aspect of their success. With the departure of Eric Gray and the need to find an heir apparent at running back, Jones’ arrival could solidify the Sooners’ running back room for the next few years.
Jones’ versatility fits well into Oklahoma’s offense, which is predicated on fast-paced playcalling and mixing up formations. Jones is capable of lining up in multiple spots across the field, whether as a traditional running back in the I-formation or as a motion back in a shotgun setup. His pass-catching ability out of the backfield is something that sets him apart from many traditional running backs, giving Oklahoma’s quarterbacks an additional outlet in the passing game. This would make him an even greater asset to the offense, especially in situations where the Sooners want to keep defenses off balance with screens, wheel routes, or quick outs to the running back.
Additionally, Kaydin Jones is the type of back who is not afraid to pick up tough yards between the tackles. He has the strength to fight through arm tackles and gain extra yards after contact, making him a reliable back in short-yardage situations. This is particularly important for an offense like Oklahoma’s, which can often find itself in crucial third-down or red-zone situations.
Oklahoma’s offensive line has also been known for its strong blocking schemes, and Jones could benefit greatly from that. With a top-tier offensive line that’s been a staple for the Sooners, Jones would have the space to explode through holes and make big plays on the ground.
Why Oklahoma Is the Favorite for Jones’ Commitment
As a highly coveted in-state prospect, Kaydin Jones has seen offers pour in from schools around the country. However, his ties to Oklahoma and the Sooners program put them in an advantageous position in his recruitment. Jones, who has deep roots in Tulsa, has grown up watching Oklahoma football and has long admired the program’s tradition and success. His familiarity with the state, the school, and the program gives the Sooners a major edge as they look to secure his commitment.
Moreover, the Oklahoma Sooners’ coaching staff, led by Brent Venables, has made recruiting in-state talent a top priority. Venables understands the importance of keeping the state’s best talent at home and has made significant strides in building relationships with in-state recruits. By keeping the top-tier prospects, like Jones, within the program, Venables and the Sooners can continue to build a foundation of local talent that can help elevate the program to national contention.
Jones has made it clear that he is looking for a program where he can contribute early, and the Sooners have provided him with that promise. The team’s offensive philosophy, combined with Venables’ track record of developing talent, makes Oklahoma an appealing destination. Moreover, the opportunity to be a part of an elite program that has consistently competed for national titles is a huge selling point for Jones, and the Sooners are poised to land him as a result.
What Jones Brings to the Sooners’ Recruiting Class
With Kaydin Jones potentially joining the 2025 class, the Sooners would significantly bolster their backfield for the future. Jones is the kind of back who can make an immediate impact on both special teams and in key moments during games, but his potential extends well beyond just the physical traits he brings to the field.
A Versatile Weapon for the Future
Oklahoma is known for developing running backs who are not only dynamic in the ground game but who also excel as multi-dimensional players. Jones, with his ability to catch passes, run between the tackles, and contribute to the team’s overall game plan, would be the next in a long line of successful Oklahoma running backs who are relied upon in multiple facets of the offense. His skill set makes him an ideal fit for the modern game of college football, where flexibility and versatility are paramount to a player’s success.
A Long-Term Solution for the Sooners
As Oklahoma looks to maintain its position as a national contender, landing a running back like Jones would ensure that the Sooners have the talent to keep the offense rolling for years to come. His combination of skills and football IQ make him an ideal candidate to step into a major role early in his college career.
In addition to his on-field capabilities, Jones’ leadership qualities and commitment to excellence have been highly praised by his coaches. As a recruit, his character and work ethic have stood out, making him a positive influence in the locker room and a player who will continue to grow as a leader during his time at Oklahoma.