Gavin Sawchuk Hits the Transfer Portal Again - But a Return to Oklahoma Isn’t as Simple as It Sounds
In today’s college football landscape, the Transfer Portal has become a second recruiting season - and sometimes, the names making headlines aren’t the ones leaving your school, but the ones circling back into view. That’s exactly what’s happening with Gavin Sawchuk, whose name is once again in the mix after a short stint at Florida State.
According to reports, Sawchuk is expected to enter the Transfer Portal when it officially reopens on Friday. His player profile has already been removed from Florida State’s website, signaling that his time in Tallahassee is all but over. And for Oklahoma fans, this one hits a little closer to home - literally and figuratively.
From Norman to Tallahassee - and Now, Back on the Market
Sawchuk was a big get for Oklahoma back in the 2022 class - a consensus four-star running back with speed, vision, and upside. After redshirting his freshman year and seeing limited action, he broke out in 2023.
As a redshirt freshman, he led the Sooners in rushing with 744 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging an impressive 6.2 yards per carry on 120 attempts. It looked like he was ready to take over the backfield.
But things changed quickly.
By 2024, Sawchuk found himself buried on the depth chart. Despite appearing in nine games, he logged just 39 carries - sixth-most on the team and fourth among running backs. With the guys ahead of him all returning for 2025, Sawchuk decided to look elsewhere for opportunity, landing at Florida State.
At FSU, he found a bit more of a workload. He led the Seminoles' running backs with 109 carries, racking up 486 yards and eight touchdowns.
But even that role didn’t last long. As the season wore on, freshman Ousmane Kromah emerged as the go-to guy in a backfield that saw plenty of rotation.
Once again, Sawchuk was looking up at someone else on the depth chart.
The OU Fanbase Reacts
As soon as news of Sawchuk’s pending portal entry broke, Oklahoma fans lit up social media with a familiar sentiment: Bring him home. From hopeful tweets to nostalgic calls for a reunion, the reaction was swift and emotional. After all, Sawchuk’s younger brother, Gabe, is still on the Sooners’ roster, and the idea of a family reunion in the OU backfield has its appeal.
But while the sentiment is understandable, the logistics are a little more complicated.
Would a Return to Norman Actually Work?
As much as fans may want to see Sawchuk back in crimson and cream, the current state of Oklahoma’s running back room makes that a tough sell. The Sooners already have a strong 1-2 punch in Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock, both of whom are expected to carry the load next season. Add in Gabe Sawchuk, Taylor Tatum, and incoming freshman Jonathan Hatton Jr., and the depth chart is already crowded.
Unless there’s unexpected attrition in that room - more players hitting the portal or injuries during spring and summer - there just isn’t a clear path to playing time for Gavin. And if he’s transferring again to find more opportunity, returning to OU probably doesn’t check that box.
From Oklahoma’s standpoint, it’s also about resource allocation. With NIL dollars and scholarships being strategic assets, the Sooners may be better served using those resources elsewhere - maybe on positions with thinner depth or proven production gaps. The lesson from recent transfer additions like Jaydn Ott is clear: splashy names don’t always guarantee ROI, especially in a backfield already brimming with talent.
What’s Next for Sawchuk?
At this point, Sawchuk becomes one of the more intriguing names in the portal - a proven back with experience in two Power Five programs and the kind of resume that will draw interest. He’s shown flashes of being a lead back, and in the right system with a clear runway, he could be a valuable addition.
But whether that next opportunity is in Norman or somewhere else remains to be seen. For now, what’s clear is that Gavin Sawchuk is once again looking for the right fit. And in today’s college football world, that search can change a career - or even bring it full circle.