Jaren Kanak was already a familiar name inside OU’s locker room. However, Saturday night, Sooner fans got to know him in an entirely new way.

After spending the first three years of his career on defense, Kanak made his debut at tight end, and he made an immediate impact. While much of the attention Saturday night was on quarterback John Mateer, it was difficult to ignore Kanak, who had been playing linebacker just nine months ago.

The senior from Hays, Kansas, caught five passes for 90 yards in OU’s 35-3 win over Illinois State, finishing as the Sooners’ second-leading receiver behind redshirt senior wide receiver Keontez Lewis, who had 119 yards and two touchdowns. Kanak’s total marked the most receiving yards by a Sooner tight end since Brayden Willis recorded 102 against Kansas in 2022.

Despite Kanak’s decision to change positions after serious consideration, the former linebacker steadily impressed during spring practices and training camp, culminating in a breakout debut Saturday.

“I knew I wanted to have a role on the offensive side of the ball,” Kanak said. “Initially, it kind of started in the tight end room, and through spring ball and camp, I found where I could make a difference. I told (head coach Brent Venables) why I thought this would maybe be better for me and why I think I could help the team here more than I was on defense. Obviously, he’s supportive of that and of me.”

Kanak’s transition wasn’t just a matter of learning new plays — it was a shift in mindset. On defense, he had been trained to react, to read offenses and to hit first. On offense, he needed patience, precise route running and the ability to anticipate how defenders would respond to him. 

Former defensive teammate Sammy Omosigho said Kanak’s shift to offense was far from simple, but one Kanak grew comfortable in.

“Switching over from defense to offense, it’s not an easy thing to do,” Omosigho said. “He conquered it and did an amazing job in the blocking and receiving game. He’s just an amazing player.”

Kanak earned the starting tight end role over several competitors, including returning players redshirt junior Kaden Helms and redshirt sophomore Kade McIntyre, as well as transfers redshirt senior Will Huggins, redshirt junior Carson Kent and redshirt junior John Locke Jr. The transition wasn’t without its growing pains, though. On OU’s second drive, Kanak caught a pass but fumbled, giving Illinois State possession near midfield. However, rather than letting it rattle him, Kanak bounced back quickly.

Jaren Kanak's fumble in 1st half against Illinois State

“No matter how good or bad the last play was, I’m focused on the next one,” Kanak said. “Everybody that came over to me was trying to encourage me. But I really wasn’t that upset about it. I was already on to the next play.”

Moving on from the mistake, during a second-quarter drive, Kanak ran a post route into Illinois State territory, turning a pass from Mateer into a 48-yard gain that helped set up a touchdown by redshirt junior wide receiver Deion Burks. He added three more catches throughout the game, showing his versatility as a vertical threat, an over-the-middle target and a receiver out of screen plays. Kanak lined up all over the formation, threatening up the seam, catching passes over the middle and taking screens to the edge.

“Knowing where the windows are and recognizing the coverage they’re in is a huge advantage,” Kanak said. “That comes with film study, and also being on the defense for the time that I was, I understand the flow of a defense.”

Venables also noticed how his awareness of defensive schemes pays off on offense, with the coach praising his ability to make an immediate contribution.

“He understands defense,” Venables said. “That’s why he’s able to get open, and (he) made some really good plays tonight.”

For Kanak, Saturday’s debut was validation of his offseason decision — and a signal that the Sooners may have finally found the answer at tight end.

This story was edited by Joshua McDaniel.

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