Coming off the program’s most productive season at tight end since Mark Andrews recorded 958 receiving yards in 2017, the Sooners will look to maintain that production despite having a new starter.
Following the departure of former OU tight end and current Tennessee Titan Jaren Kanak, who was OU’s position leader in 2025 with 533 receiving yards, OU’s tight end role is completely revamped. New tight ends coach Jason Witten, a former Dallas Cowboys player, will lead a plethora of incoming talent.
The Sooners’ newest additions, redshirt seniors Rocky Beers and Hayden Hansen, will likely lead the group as they bring the most experience.
Beers, now at his fourth school, is coming off the best season of his career. He pulled in 31 receptions for 388 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 2025 with Colorado State before he was sidelined due to injury. Beers joined OU alongside fellow Colorado State transfer, junior running back Lloyd Avant, who praised Beers as a multitool tight end.
“(Beers is a) physical guy, all-around tight end,” Avant said at OU’s spring media day. “I would say he's a do-it-all on the field, (from) special teams to offense to blocking and running and catching the ball.”
Beers is the brother of former OU women’s basketball and now Connecticut Sun forward Raegan Beers, who spent two seasons in Norman and racked up many NCAA and league honors before the move to the WNBA.
Hansen brings in Southeastern Conference experience as he spent the last three seasons with the Florida Gators, recording 30 catches for 254 yards and two touchdowns in 2025. Like Beers, Hansen is also a versatile tight end who is excited to make an impact in both the passing and running game.
“I got some news for you guys. (The run game is) here, and it's looking good,” Hansen said during spring practice. “We're pounding the rock every practice. It's a beautiful thing to see. … We are moving the rock, and we are doing it well.”
Both players led the position in receiving yards in the 2026 spring game as Beers recorded four receptions for 65 yards and Hansen followed with three receptions for 34 yards.
Other members of 2026 tight end room include redshirt senior John Locke Jr., redshirt junior Kade McIntyre, redshirt freshman Trynae Washington, sophomore Jack Van Dorselaer and true freshmen Ryder Mix and Tyler Ruxer. With all of the new and returning talent, Witten believes everyone has the chance shot at the starting job despite bringing in seasoned veterans.
“Rocky and Hayden were already signed here when I joined the staff, but I see what the organization saw in those young men,” Witten said at spring media day. “I think they're eager as fifth-year players to take advantage of every opportunity. So I really like their work ethic, … It’s going to be an open-room competition. I think that's going to bring out the best in our group.”
With the starting job vacant due to Kanak’s departure, OU will start its sixth different tight end since the 2020 season.
This story was edited by Charlie DiVincenzo. Kennedy Johnson and Larkin Bock copy edited this story.
