Brent Venables explains putting Jackson Arnold against starting Oklahoma defense

When it comes to big incoming names in college football, Oklahoma freshman quarterback Jackson Arnold is near the top of the list. A top 10 player in college football, Arnold is the focus of many Sooner fans excited about the future. After Arnold’s spring game performance, head coach Brent Venables explained why he threw Arnold, a true freshman, into the fire against a No. 1 defense.

“We’ve been going against good-on-good all spring, so we wanted to change it up for the spring game, obviously, knowing that is going to be tougher on that group,” Venables said. “Wanted to see how those guys would handle it. Every position, him included.”

A five-star in the 2023 recruiting class, Arnold was the No. 8 overall player and No. 4 player at the quarterback position, all according to the On3 Industry Ranking. Arnold arrived on campus early to adapt to the college football game quicker and it appears that decision is off to a strong start.

While he might not be the Sooners’ starting quarterback, Arnold had the attention of many fans in the game. He did not disappoint either, going 6-for-14 for 64 yards and a touchdown, while not throwing an interception. Arnold also busted a long 53-yard run for a score in the game, which was called back because he was touched down by contact. Venables was still impressed with the play from his young star.

“We had seen it earlier in the spring, too. Today was another day. He’ll be the first to tell you he’s certainly not where he was when we started the spring but he’s definitely not where he wants to be either. A lot of work and what I have an appreciation about that group, is the humility and everybody helping everybody, supporting each other.”

Arnold set to learn from afar

While there is plenty of excitement over Arnold’s arrival on campus for Oklahoma, there is not a buzz to play him as a true freshman by any means. The Sooners, of course, have Dillon Gabriel returning to the field this season after a strong showing last year.

In 2022, Gabriel threw for 3,168 yards and 25 touchdowns to go along with 315 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. Gabriel landed Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year honors last season and now looks to lead Oklahoma into battle when it opens up the season on Sept. 2 against Arkansas State at home.