Four games into the 2024 season, the Oklahoma Sooners have officially made a change at the quarterback position. After Jackson Arnold became the full-time starter with the transfer of Dillon Gabriel this offseason, the coaching staff has decided, at least for the time being, that it’s time for a change.
Arnold was benched late in the second quarter of OU’s 25-15 loss against Tennessee following three first-half turnovers.
Instead, third-year head coach Brent Venables has named true freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. the starter on Saturday. Venables confirmed the move on his coach’s show on Monday night. OUInsider broke the news on social media.
Hawkins was inserted into the game on the final possession before halftime, and Venables stuck with him the rest of the night. Taking his first meaningful snaps at this level, Hawkins took a while to settle in, but when he did, he was able to move the ball and get a couple of touchdown drives for the Sooners. Those drives were a stark contrast to the ineptitude the Oklahoma had showed on offense the rest of the evening.
Hawkins finished the game 11-for-18 for 132 yards and a touchdown. He was also OU’s leading rusher on the night, showing a knack for scrambling and gaining yards with his legs. He nearly ran for two touchdowns, coming up less than a yard short twice.
On the other hand, Arnold struggled mightily, completing just seven of his 16 passes for 54 yards and those three back-breaking turnovers. Quarterback hasn’t even been the biggest problem for the offense this year, as that unit has not produced up to the standard in Norman. However, after the turnovers that plagued the offense against the Vols, the head coach decided it was time to make a change.
Venables certainly didn’t name Hawkins the starter for the rest of the season, and that distinction will come down to play on the field. Hawkins earned a shot to be the starter against the Tigers, and if he plays well, it’s likely that Venables and his staff will stick with the youngster.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X @AaronGelvin.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Breaking: Brent Venables names starting quarterback for week five vs. Auburn
