Brent Venables makes clear statement on Jackson Arnold when asked about future at Oklahoma

Just a few weeks ago, the easy assumption was that Jackson Arnold would leave Oklahoma for the NCAA transfer portal. But Arnold has got the starting role back, once again looking like the quarterback of the future in Norman. Brent Venables believes Arnold’s best game was on Saturday against Ole Miss, even if the Sooners were on the losing end.

The future of Arnold has certainly changed, leaving for Venables to be asked about it. The head coach was pretty clear in his thought process, not believing No. 11 is leaving anytime soon. Venables believes Arnold is “built with the right stuff” and will not back away from previous adversity.

“My assumption is that you’re dang right he wants to be back,” Venables said. “Why would he not? That’s how I look at it. I don’t have my head in the sand. I would be concerned if I was thinking in that way, ‘I wonder if he wants to be back.’ Well, shit, you’re the starting quarterback at Oklahoma. This is your dream.

“You turned down a lot of good people to come here, and now that you’ve faced some headwinds, now you’re just going to quit? I don’t see that in him and I don’t see that in guys in our locker room. Does it happen in college football and in life? You’re damn right but not with people that are built with the right stuff, not at all. Jackson’s got the right stuff.”

Arnold started Oklahoma’s first four games of the season before being benched in the SEC opener against Tennessee. Michael Hawkins took over, getting three starts and producing very little offensive production. After three consecutive turnover drives against South Carolina to open the game, Venables went back to his original quarterback.

Offensive changes are definitely coming this offseason, specifically on the coaching staff. It would mark the third offensive coordinator for Arnold in as many years. Even so, two years of eligibility remain and Venables expects them to be used while wearing an Oklahoma jersey.