Nic Anderson sets Oklahoma freshman TD record after incredible Jackson Arnold throw

Oklahoma fans are getting to see the future of their program on Thursday night. Jackson Arnold is starting the Alamo Bowl against Arizona, finally getting first-team reps on offense. He spent a majority of the season sitting behind Dillon Gabriel but Sooner fans have been excited about Arnold for quite some time.

Arnold had 15 bowl game practices to get accustomed to throwing to his fellow receivers, with one of them being Nic Anderson. The connection is already working quite well, with the two dialing up an electric touchdown late in the second quarter.

Rolling out to the left and pressure building, Arnold was able to pull off an incredible throw to the corner of the end zone. Maybe even more amazing was the catch from Anderson, pulling off a toe-drag and keeping both feet in bounds.

Add on an extra point and the score put Oklahoma up in the game just before halftime, 14-13. You can watch the full moment between Arnold and Anderson here.

Toe-drag swag 🤧 @nicanderson04 | 📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/fEK5dvBdnN

— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) December 29, 2023

While Arnold is getting his first run out there, Anderson has been a known commodity for Oklahoma this season. In fact, that catch was his 10th score of the season and he now holds the program freshman touchdown record. Anderson took a redshirt during the 2022 season and has truly broken out once consistently getting on the field.

Oklahoma fans looks forward to Jackson Arnold, Nic Anderson connection in 2024

Bowl games have evolved over the past few seasons. Instead of using them as a way to close shop on the current season, many teams have gotten a head start on the upcoming season. Moves such as opt-outs and the NCAA transfer portal certainly have made it possible.

For Oklahoma, Arnold getting the start became possible once Gabriel decided to head out West to play for the Oregon Ducks. The future starting quarterback has now arrived and the folks in Norman have to enjoy what they are seeing thus far.

The best part of it all? Oklahoma will return both Arnold and Anderson, getting a full season out of the duo in 2024. In the first half of the Alamo Bowl alone, we have five receptions for 46 yards and the incredible touchdown above.

SEC defenses have to face off against lethal passing attacks every week but we could be witnessing a special one bloom in front of our eyes as we speak.