The Oklahoma Sooners are once again revamping their quarterback lineup as they prepare for the 2025 season.
Last year, the team faced a shake-up when offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby and quarterback Dillon Gabriel left, prompting the promotion of Seth Littrell and freshman quarterback Jackson Arnold. However, the plan didn’t yield the desired results. Littrell was dismissed after seven games, and Arnold has since transferred to Auburn.
The upcoming season brings another major overhaul, spearheaded by new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Ben Arbuckle. Joining him are assistant quarterbacks coach John Kuceyeski and transfer portal addition John Mateer, who will compete for a spot in the Sooners’ quarterback rotation.
Despite these changes, the Sooners will retain at least one key player from the 2024 quarterback room. True freshman Michael Hawkins Jr., who started three games under head coach Brent Venables this season, has opted to stay in Norman. His decision stands in contrast to Arnold’s transfer, giving the Sooners some continuity as they transition to a new offensive strategy.
Arbuckle, who has been closely observing the team’s bowl practices, has expressed enthusiasm about Hawkins’ recent development. In an interview with SoonerScoop.com’s podcast “The Family Business,” Arbuckle praised Hawkins for his rapid improvement during practice sessions.
“Michael Hawkins has made incredible strides in just five practices,” Arbuckle said. “He’s exceptionally talented, and I’m really excited to work with him more. He’s got so much potential, and I can’t wait to help him grow and develop into the player I know he can be.”
Arbuckle also highlighted the talent of the Sooners’ returning offensive players, including the offensive line, running backs, and standout wide receiver Deion Burks. He expressed optimism about the team’s potential for a much-improved offensive performance in the upcoming season.
The quarterback room, however, faces a significant rebuild following the departures of Arnold and Brendan Zurbrugg via the transfer portal and the graduation of senior Casey Thompson. Arbuckle is taking swift action to address this, securing commitments from Mateer and recruiting quarterback Jett Niu earlier this month. Additionally, there’s a possibility that walk-on quarterback Steele Wasel, who was fifth on the depth chart last season, could return to provide further depth.
The Sooners are aiming for a stronger offensive showing in 2025, and Arbuckle’s leadership, coupled with the development of a stable quarterback lineup, will be critical to achieving that goal.
