Jackson Arnold, Michael Hawkins QB decision: Brent Venables announces starter vs. Auburn

Amid the tough defeat to Tennessee on Saturday, Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables decided to bench Jackson Arnold in favor of true freshman Michael Hawkins. Following the game, Venables admitted there would be a quarterback battle this week heading into the Auburn game.

After just one day, the decision has already been made. Venables announced Hawkins will be the starter as Oklahoma plays in its first SEC road game of the season. Arnold would presumably be the backup while veteran quarterback Casey Thompson is also on the roster.

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“Brent Venables announces on his Monday night Coaches Show freshman QB Michael Hawkins will start Saturday at Auburn,” On3’s Sooner Scoop said via X.

Arnold completed seven of 16 throws against Tennessee, going for 54 yards and an interception. However, there were two costly turnovers from the second-year quarterback that made it tough for Venables to keep him on the field. A fumble deep in the red zone after Oklahoma’s defense caused their own turnover and a backward pass Venables claims Arnold missed the read on.

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Hawkins was inserted just before halftime and while it took until the fourth quarter, Oklahoma’s offense did find some rhythm. A much better 11-18 for 132 yards and a touchdown from Hawkins is a stat line Sooner fans can get behind moving forward considering the situations.

Now, the true freshman will get the reigns moving forward in Seth Litrell’s offense. Hawkins played high school football at Frisco (TX) Emerson, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 260 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

This was a move ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit called for when broadcasting the Oklahoma-Tennessee game. Hawkins had just made a play in the red zone and was spun into the air before initially being ruled down inside the one-yard line. Herbstreit had seen enough to say Hawkins needed to be OU’s guy moving forward.

“This kid’s your quarterback,” Herbstreit said of Hawkins in the dying moments of the game. “This is the quarterback right here, No. 9, moving on into next week. He’s done enough in these handful of series in the second half. This is what it’s all about right here. This kid is fighting for every inch.”

Herbstreit will get his wish and have the opportunity to watch Hawkins’ starting debut before calling the Alabama–Georgia game. Kickoff from Jordan-Hare Stadium between Oklahoma and Auburn is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT.