Jaydn Ott Scouting Report: Oklahoma RB | 2026 NFL Draft Prospect
- Jun 20
- 7 min read
Name: Jaydn Ott
• Position: Running Back
• School: Oklahoma (transferred from California, 2025)
• Height/Weight: 6’0”, 210 lbs (BMI ~28.5, per Sports-Reference)
• Class: Senior (2025 season)
• Hometown: Chino Hills, CA
• High School: Bishop Amat High School
Draft Range Summary
Jaydn Ott is projected as an early Day 3 pick (4th Round) in the 2026 NFL Draft, valued for his speed and receiving ability despite an injury-plagued 2024 season at California. His transfer to Oklahoma for 2025 aims to boost his stock in a high-powered spread offense.
• PFF: 4th Round, No. 112 overall, RB6 (May 2025)
• ESPN: 4th Round, No. 105 overall, RB5 (July 2024)
• CBS Sports: 4th Round, No. 120 overall, RB7 (June 2025)
• The Athletic: 4th Round, No. 108 overall, RB5 (May 2025)
• NFL Draft Buzz: 4th Round, RB6, 85.0 rating (July 2024)
• Pro Football Network: 4th Round, No. 115 overall, RB6 (July 2024)
Combine Data/Unofficial Times: No official NFL Combine data available (as of June 20, 2025). Per NFL Draft Buzz, Ott ran an estimated 4.46-second 40-yard dash at California’s 2023 Pro Day. High school track: 10.9-second 100-meter PR (CIF Southern Section, 2021). High school stats: 2,409 yards, 33 TDs (2019–2021).
Career Background
Jaydn Ott, a four-star recruit from Bishop Amat High School, was a standout in California, earning CIF Southern Section Player of the Year honors (2021) with 2,409 rushing yards and 33 TDs. He committed to California over Oregon, USC, and Michigan. As a freshman (2022), Ott flashed potential, rushing for 897 yards (4.8 YPC) and 8 TDs on 170 carries. In 2023, he broke out as a sophomore, starting all 13 games and rushing for 1,315 yards (5.3 YPC) and 12 TDs, earning First-team All-Pac-12 honors. His 2024 season was derailed by an ankle injury, limiting him to 385 yards and 4 TDs on 116 carries over 7 games.
Ott transferred to Oklahoma for 2025, joining a spread offense under coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Seth Littrell, aiming to showcase his speed and versatility behind an elite offensive line (18 sacks allowed, 2024, PFF). His track background (10.9 100m) and low carry count (531 career carries) position him as a dynamic RB prospect with durability upside.
Career Stats (Through 2024 Season)
• 2022 (Freshman, California): 170 carries, 897 yards (4.8 YPC), 8 TDs; 20 receptions, 164 yards, 1 TD; no FMTPA recorded (PFF 2022)
• 2023 (Sophomore, California): 245 carries, 1,315 yards (5.3 YPC), 12 TDs; 24 receptions, 196 yards, 2 TDs; 48 missed tackles forced (PFF 2023)
• 2024 (Junior, California): 116 carries, 385 yards (3.3 YPC), 4 TDs; 10 receptions, 85 yards, 0 TDs; 15 missed tackles forced (PFF 2024)
• Career Totals (3 Seasons): 531 carries, 2,597 yards (4.9 YPC), 24 TDs; 54 receptions, 445 yards, 3 TDs; 63 known missed tackles forced
Advanced Stats (2023, PFF 2023)
• PFF Rushing Grade: 88.5 (top-10 Pac-12)
• PFF Receiving Grade: 78.0 (top-10 RB)
• Yards After Contact: 657 (50% of total, top-15 Pac-12)
• Forced Missed Tackles: 48 (8th among Pac-12)
• Forced Missed Tackles per Attempt: 0.196 (48 missed tackles / 245 carries, top-20 RB)
• Breakaway Run %: 10.2% (25 runs of 15+ yards, top-15 RB)
• Fumble Rate: 0.8% (2 fumbles, 245 carries), above median (~0.5%)
• Pass-Block Grade: 68.0 (median RB)
• Drop Rate: 5.9% (2 drops, 34 targets), above median (~5.0%)
Awards and Accolades
• High School:
• CIF Southern Section Player of the Year (2021)
• MaxPreps California First-team All-State (2021)
• U.S. Army All-American Bowl (2022)
• College:
• First-team All-Pac-12 (2023)
• Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week (vs. UCLA, 2023)
• Doak Walker Award Watch List (2023)
Character and Leadership
Ott’s resilience shines through his recovery from a 2024 ankle injury, opting to transfer to Oklahoma to elevate his draft stock, per ESPN. At California, he was a team captain (2023), praised by coach Justin Wilcox for work ethic (calbears.com). His community engagement in Chino Hills, including youth camps, is noted on X posts. No off-field issues reported, with his low career carries (531) suggesting durability potential. His leadership in Oklahoma’s 2025 backfield, alongside Taylor Tatum, will be key (per Sooners Wire).
Injuries
Ott suffered a significant ankle injury in 2024, limiting him to 7 games and reducing efficiency (3.3 YPC vs. 5.3 in 2023). He played through pain, scoring in 5 games, but required offseason surgery (per calbears.com). His 6’0”, 210-pound frame and track speed (4.46 40) suggest recovery potential, but a healthy 2025 at Oklahoma is critical to address durability concerns against SEC defenses (per NFL Draft Buzz).
Play Style
Jaydn Ott is a quick, elusive back with strong receiving skills, thriving in California’s spread offense and projected to excel in Oklahoma’s gap/zone mix. His track-verified speed (4.46 40, 10.9 100m) and agility (0.196 FMTPA, 2023) produce big plays, like his 66-yard TD vs. UCLA (2023). He navigates zones with sharp cuts and vision, averaging 5.3 YPC and 10.2% breakaway runs in 2023. His 657 yards after contact (50%) reflect balance, but his 210-pound frame limits power against stacked boxes (3.8 YPC vs. USC, 2023).
As a receiver, Ott’s 24 catches (196 yards, 2023) and 78.0 PFF receiving grade highlight versatility on screens and flats. His pass-blocking (68.0 PFF grade) needs refinement for NFL third-down roles. Vision occasionally falters on gap schemes, missing cutback lanes, and his 5.9% drop rate (2023) indicates room for improvement. Ball security is solid (0.8% fumble rate), but durability concerns persist post-injury.
Strengths
1. Speed: 4.46 40, 10.2% breakaway rate, 66-yard TD run (2023).
2. Elusiveness: 0.196 FMTPA, 48 forced missed tackles (PFF 2023).
3. Receiving Versatility: 24 catches, 78.0 PFF receiving grade, 2 TDs (2023).
4. Vision: Strong zone reads, 5.3 YPC in spread schemes (2023).
5. Leadership: Team captain, resilient post-injury (calbears.com).
Weaknesses
1. Limited Power: 210 lbs limits inside running (3.8 YPC vs. USC, 2023).
2. Pass-Blocking: 68.0 PFF grade needs polish for NFL blitzes.
3. Durability: 2024 ankle injury, 7 games played (PFF 2024).
4. Ball Security: 0.8% fumble rate, 2 fumbles (2023).
5. Route-Running: Basic route tree, screen-heavy (NFL Draft Buzz).
Limitations
Ott’s lighter frame (210 lbs) and moderate power (3.8 YPC vs. stacked fronts) limit his fit in power/gap schemes, favoring spread/zone systems that maximize his speed and elusiveness (0.196 FMTPA). His 2024 injury raises durability questions for high-volume roles, with 531 career carries untested as a workhorse. Pass-blocking (68.0 PFF) requires development for third-down reliability. Adding 5–10 lbs and proving health in 2025 against SEC defenses (e.g., Alabama, Texas) will be pivotal for his draft stock.
College Scheme Experience
Ott operated in California’s spread offense under Justin Wilcox (2022–2024), featuring 55% 11 personnel, 40% run rate, and a 60% zone/40% gap mix, with play-action (20% dropbacks) and moderate tempo (1.9 plays/minute, PFF 2023). The scheme leveraged Ott’s speed (5.3 YPC) and elusiveness (0.196 FMTPA) on outside zone and stretch plays, as seen in his 100-yard game vs. UCLA. Motion (35% snaps) and RPOs (10%) created space for his burst (657 yards after contact), while his 24 catches (8% RB targets) highlighted screens and checkdowns, boosting his pass-blocking value (68.0 PFF grade).
In 2024, injuries limited Ott’s impact in a similar scheme (3.3 YPC). At Oklahoma in 2025, Seth Littrell’s spread offense (65% 11 personnel, 50% zone, per PFF 2024) with QB John Mateer and WR De’Zhaun Stribling will amplify Ott’s receiving role (projected 30+ catches). Sharing carries with Taylor Tatum (est. 150 vs. 100 carries) caps volume, but Oklahoma’s line (18 sacks allowed, 2024) supports efficiency (per Sooners Wire).
Player Comparison
Comparison: Shane Vereen (5’10”, 205 lbs, New England Patriots, 2011–2014). Vereen’s speed (4.50 40), elusiveness (~0.25 MTFPA, est.), and receiving (52 catches, 2014) mirror Ott’s 4.46 40, 0.196 FMTPA (2023), and 24 catches. Both thrive in spread/zone schemes, using quick cuts and vision (Vereen’s 4.2 YPC, Ott’s 5.3 YPC), as seen in Ott’s 66-yard TD vs. UCLA and Vereen’s 71-yard TD (2013). Their contact balance (Ott’s 50% yards after contact, Vereen’s ~45%) and pass-blocking (~68 vs. 70 PFF) align, with Vereen’s heavier receiving role (52 catches) edging Ott’s developing routes. At 5’10”, 205 lbs, Vereen is slightly smaller than Ott’s 6’0”, 210 lbs, but Ott’s taller frame offers leverage, while Vereen’s 2nd-round pedigree (No. 56, 2011) contrasts Ott’s projected 4th-round status.
Off-Field Considerations
Ott’s transfer to Oklahoma reflects ambition and adaptability, per Sooners Wire. As a 2023 captain at California, he earned praise from Wilcox for leadership (calbears.com). No off-field issues reported, with X posts noting Chino Hills community work. California’s 5.5% drop rate (2023, PFF) aligns with Ott’s 5.9% drop rate. Littrell’s 2025 scheme should boost his receiving production, targeting 30+ catches.
Draft Outlook and Recommendations
Jaydn Ott’s speed, elusiveness, and receiving ability position him as a situational RB prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft, with upside as a third-down back or change-of-pace complement. His 2023 breakout (1,315 yards, 12 TDs) showcases potential, but 2024’s injury (385 yards) demands a strong 2025 at Oklahoma to solidify Day 3 status. Dominating SEC opponents (e.g., Alabama, Texas) and proving health will elevate his stock, per ESPN projections. A 1,200-yard, 10-TD 2025 could push him to Round 3, while regression risks a Round 5 slide.
• Personal Draft Recommendation: Early 4th Round (2026). Ott’s speed and receiving make him a valuable situational back, but adding 5–10 lbs and proving durability are critical. Oklahoma’s spread offense maximizes his third-down potential.
Final Evaluation
Jaydn Ott’s quickness, elusiveness, and pass-catching skills make him a promising 2026 NFL Draft prospect with situational upside. His 2023 performance and 2025 transfer to Oklahoma provide a platform to address durability and power concerns, positioning him as a potential NFL change-of-pace back with targeted development, akin to Shane Vereen’s dynamic third-down impact.
Sources:
• Sports-Reference (college stats)
• NFL Draft Buzz
• Pro Football Network
• ESPN (mock drafts)
• CBS Sports
• The Athletic
• PFF (advanced metrics)
• Pro-Football-Reference (comparison stats)
• Sooners Wire
• 247Sports
• X Posts
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