Oklahoma QB Jackson Arnold Enters Transfer Portal: What’s Next for the Sooners?
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, Oklahoma starting quarterback Jackson Arnold is officially entering the NCAA transfer portal, according to sources who spoke with ESPN on Wednesday. The sophomore signal-caller, who still has two seasons of eligibility remaining, is now set to explore his options after a rollercoaster two years with the Sooners.
Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 210 pounds, Arnold came to Norman as a highly touted recruit from Denton, Texas. He was the No. 3 overall recruit in the ESPN 300 for the class of 2023 and was expected to be the cornerstone of Oklahoma’s offense for years to come. However, his time with the Sooners has been anything but smooth sailing.
Arnold’s Stats and Struggles
In his first season as Oklahoma’s starter, Arnold threw for 1,421 yards, completing 63% of his passes with 12 touchdowns and three interceptions. On the ground, he added 444 rushing yards and three touchdowns. While those numbers are solid, they weren’t enough to lift the Sooners out of mediocrity in their first year competing in the SEC. Oklahoma finished the season with a disappointing 6-6 record, a far cry from their 10-win campaign in 2023.
The Sooners’ offensive struggles were glaring. They ranked No. 94 nationally in scoring offense, averaging just 21.2 points per game against FBS opponents, and an abysmal No. 126 in yards per play (4.8). Injuries and inconsistency plagued the team all season, with head coach Brent Venables ultimately firing first-year offensive coordinator Seth Littrell after a 4-3 start.
Key Moments in Arnold’s Season
Arnold’s season was a tale of highs and lows. He began the year as the starter but was benched during Oklahoma’s SEC debut, a 25-15 loss to Tennessee on Sept. 21, after committing three early turnovers. True freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. replaced him and started the next two games against Auburn and Texas. However, Hawkins also struggled, turning the ball over three times in the first quarter against South Carolina. Arnold reclaimed the starting job after that game and held onto it for the remainder of the season.
One of Arnold’s brightest moments came on Nov. 23, when he led the Sooners to a stunning 24-3 upset over No. 7 Alabama. In that game, Arnold rushed for a career-high 131 yards on 25 carries and completed 9-of-11 passes for 68 yards. The victory secured bowl eligibility for Oklahoma, but it wasn’t enough to salvage their season.
Challenges for the Sooners
Oklahoma’s offensive woes weren’t solely on Arnold. The team’s top five wide receivers—Deion Burks, Nic Anderson, Jalil Farooq, Jayden Gibson, and Andrel Anthony—all missed significant time due to injuries. The offensive line was another area of concern, as the Sooners used eight different starting combinations over 12 games. Arnold was sacked 34 times, tied for the sixth-most among FBS quarterbacks.
What’s Next for Arnold and Oklahoma?
With Arnold entering the transfer portal, there’s expected to be significant interest from Power 4 programs when the winter portal window opens on Monday. Arnold’s pedigree as a former Gatorade Player of the Year and his flashes of brilliance at Oklahoma make him an attractive option for teams in need of a quarterback.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma is already making moves to address their offensive issues. On Monday, Venables hired Washington State offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle to take over the Sooners’ offense. The team is also expected to pursue a transfer quarterback to replace Arnold. It’s clear that Venables and his staff are determined to turn things around after a disappointing debut season in the SEC.
Key Takeaways
- Jackson Arnold, Oklahoma’s starting quarterback, is entering the NCAA transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining.
- Arnold threw for 1,421 yards and 12 touchdowns while rushing for 444 yards and three scores in 2024.
- Oklahoma struggled offensively, ranking No. 94 in scoring offense and No. 126 in yards per play.
- Head coach Brent Venables fired offensive coordinator Seth Littrell midseason and recently hired Ben Arbuckle to revamp the offense.
- Arnold’s departure leaves a significant hole at quarterback, and the Sooners are expected to pursue a transfer to fill the void.
As the transfer portal heats up, all eyes will be on where Arnold lands and how Oklahoma rebuilds for 2025. One thing is certain: the Sooners’ journey in the SEC is off to a rocky start, and the pressure is on to right the ship.
Originally Written by: Unknown
