Brent Venables updates where Oklahoma's backup quarterbacks stand

All eyes are on sophomore Jackson Arnold in the Oklahoma quarterback room, but the Sooners have talent and experience behind him as well. OU coach Brent Venables spoke highly of both transfer Casey Thompson and true freshman Michael Hawkins after practice on Tuesday.

Thompson is a name who is familiar to Sooner fans as both his father, Charles, and his brother Kendal are former Oklahoma quarterbacks. He is set to enter his seventh season of college football after beginning his career at Texas in 2018.

Having such an experienced quarterback in the room alongside the youth of both Arnold and Hawkins has already paid off in Venables’ eyes.

“They’ve come to work every day and have improved through everything that we’ve put them through,” he said. “They know how to compete when put under pressure. They’ve shown signs, Casey in particular, of knowing what to do. He’s been a dual threat guy in the past, but we’re trying to limit that a little bit. He doesn’t have limited mobility, but just trying to be careful with him. All the football that he’s played. It shows.”

Thompson started 10 games for the Longhorns in 2021 before going on to transfer to Nebraska. He again started for the Cornhuskers and threw for a career-high 2,407 yards and 17 touchdowns to 10 interceptions.

The quarterback transferred to Florida Atlantic this past season but appeared in only three games before he suffered a season-ending injury. Though he will not start for OU, he can still provide leadership and advice from the sidelines and would likely be the first one to step in should Arnold get injured.

Hawkins has also impressed in practice so far as a four-star recruit out of Firsco Emerson (TX) High School. He ranked as the No. 262 overall player and No. 18 quarterback in the 2024 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

“Then Mike’s done a good job,” Venables said. “He can really spin it. He makes quick decisions. He’s a threat extending plays and putting the defense in conflicting positions. There’s young moments as well. But really like that group as a whole and what we’ve been able to do there over the early course of summer and fall camp.”

The room will ultimately be Arnold’s next season and best case scenario is that he lives up to his five-star potential and starts every game. But it’s good to know that there is a solid backup plan in case of an injury or anything else that might sideline him.

Oklahoma kicks off the 2024 season on Aug. 30 against Temple.