Crimson Countdown: No. 2 Jovantae Barnes
The Crimson Countdown is officially on for the 2024 Oklahoma football season. Fans have been waiting for what feels like forever with this one. The Sooners are finally and officially joining the SEC.
The 2023 season was a rebound one for head coach Brent Venables, getting the program back to its standard. OU went 10-3 in Venables’ second season, now it’s time for year No. 3.
Every day as we get closer to kickoff, SoonerScoop.com will count down the days with you. Starting with No. 99 and working our way to No. 0, we’ll be there every step of the way.
Crimson Countdown: No. 2 Jovantae Barnes
2023 stats: Played in eight games, started one, rushed for 140 yards, TD.
2024 outlook:
Comeback player of the year candidate. Everybody is feeling that. This is the season Barnes has been waiting for.
His 2024 campaign should be the one he was going to have in 2023. He’s physically healthy. Mentally, he’s never been better.
Barnes fought through it all and is coming out the other side. Perseverance still means something in college football. He’s earned it.
2024 running back outlook
The running back room is a bit of a mystery heading into 2024. Oklahoma feels great about Gavin Sawchuk, after he finished the season with five consecutive 100-yard rushing performances. He’s the leader to start for OU. But after him, it’s a bit of an open competition. Junior Jovantae Barnes returns after a weird 2023 season as he battled an injury. Redshirt freshman Kalib Hicks and UT Martin transfer Sam Franklin are also competing for roles in 2024. And freshmen Taylor Tatum and Xavier Robinson will look to find their footing in their first year. Tatum was ranked as the No. 1 running back in the 2024 class and could find his way onto the field quickly.
