In today’s college football landscape, the Transfer Portal has become as much a part of the offseason as bowl games and coaching changes. And in a time when fans sometimes recognize the names of incoming transfers more than the ones leaving their own programs, one familiar name is back on the radar - and it’s got Oklahoma fans buzzing.
Gavin Sawchuk, the former Oklahoma running back who transferred to Florida State just last year, is reportedly set to enter the Transfer Portal once it reopens on Friday. That’s according to On3’s Hayes Fawcett, and while there hasn’t been an official announcement yet, Sawchuk’s player profile has already been scrubbed from Florida State’s website - a pretty clear signal that his time in Tallahassee is done.
A Familiar Journey, A New Chapter?
Sawchuk’s path has been anything but linear. A consensus four-star recruit out of the 2022 class, he arrived in Norman with high expectations.
After redshirting as a freshman and seeing limited action in just two games that season, he broke out in 2023. As a redshirt freshman, Sawchuk led the Sooners in rushing with 744 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging a healthy 6.2 yards per carry on 120 touches.
It was the kind of performance that hinted at a bright future in crimson and cream.
But things changed quickly in 2024. Despite playing in nine games, Sawchuk managed just 39 carries - sixth-most on the team - as he slipped to fourth on the running back depth chart.
With the backs ahead of him all returning in 2025, the writing was on the wall. Sawchuk hit the portal, landing at Florida State in search of a bigger role.
A Crowded Backfield in Tallahassee
At Florida State, Sawchuk got the chance he was looking for - at least early on. He led all Seminole running backs with 109 carries, turning those into 486 yards and eight touchdowns.
But as the season wore on, the backfield turned into a revolving door, and a new name emerged: freshman Ousmane Kromah. By the end of the year, Kromah had taken over the top spot, and Sawchuk once again found himself in a crowded room.
Now, with another transfer on deck, Sawchuk is back on the market - and Oklahoma fans have taken notice.
Sooner Nation Reacts
As soon as the news hit social media, Sooner faithful were quick to dream up a potential reunion. From hopeful tweets to full-on recruitment pitches, the fanbase made it clear: they’d welcome Sawchuk back with open arms.
But as much as the sentiment is there, the fit might not be.
Does a Return to Norman Make Sense?
From a depth perspective, Oklahoma isn’t hurting at running back. The Sooners already have a strong 1-2 punch in Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock, with Taylor Tatum, Gabe Sawchuk (Gavin’s younger brother), and incoming freshman Jonathan Hatton Jr. rounding out the group. Unless there’s unexpected attrition - like another back hitting the portal - there’s simply not a clear path for Gavin Sawchuk to get the kind of workload he’s likely looking for.
And if opportunity is the driving force behind this latest move, returning to Norman might not check that box. The Sooners’ backfield is already well-stocked, and with limited touches to go around, it’s hard to see Sawchuk leapfrogging the current rotation.
What’s Next for Sawchuk?
Sawchuk’s story is a reminder of how fluid college football rosters have become. In just a few years, he’s gone from promising recruit to breakout performer to transfer twice over - and he’s still got eligibility left.
The talent is there. The question now is fit.
He’s proven he can be productive when given the chance. The key will be finding a program where he can step into a meaningful role without having to fight through another logjam at the position.
As for Oklahoma, they’ve got their eyes on other needs in the portal, and unless something changes in the running back room, a reunion - while sentimental - doesn’t seem likely.
Still, in today’s college football world, “unlikely” doesn’t mean “impossible.” And with Sawchuk back on the market, the next chapter of his journey is just getting started.