OU football head coach Brent Venables on struggles Jackson Arnold, Michael Hawkins Jr. faced during Sooners’ first season in SEC
As the Oklahoma Sooners made their highly anticipated transition to the SEC in 2024, there was a mixture of excitement and uncertainty surrounding the program. On one hand, Oklahoma was joining a conference known for its brutal competition, rich history, and deep talent pools. On the other, the transition posed unique challenges for players and coaches alike. For two of the Sooners’ most promising young quarterbacks—Jackson Arnold and Michael Hawkins Jr.—their inaugural season in the SEC would prove to be a tough but necessary learning experience.
Brent Venables, the head coach of Oklahoma, understands the growing pains that come with making such a seismic shift. Having already built a reputation as a defensive guru and a coach with a clear vision for his program, Venables was aware that the first year in the SEC would test his players in ways they had never been tested before. And for Arnold and Hawkins, both top-tier recruits, the transition would be even more intense as they were thrust into the heart of a new, physically demanding league.
In an exclusive interview, Venables discussed the struggles faced by Arnold and Hawkins during their first SEC season, how they’ve handled the pressure, and the lessons that will serve them as they move forward. Venables’ insights not only shed light on the challenges faced by these quarterbacks but also provide a glimpse into his broader vision for Oklahoma football in the SEC.
Jackson Arnold, the five-star quarterback from Denton, Texas, entered Oklahoma with all the fanfare that comes with being one of the top-ranked quarterbacks in the 2026 recruiting class. Highly regarded for his arm strength, mobility, and leadership skills, Arnold was expected to be the future of Oklahoma football. With a high ceiling and a polished skill set, many saw Arnold as a player who could quickly adapt to the high level of play in the SEC. However, the brutal reality of competing against elite defenses every week hit Arnold hard in his freshman year.
While Arnold showed flashes of brilliance, the adjustment to the SEC was challenging. Facing some of the best defensive minds in college football, he found that the pace of play, the physicality, and the complexity of the schemes were unlike anything he had experienced in high school.
“Jackson’s talent has never been in question,” Venables said. “He’s got all the tools you look for in a quarterback. But what people don’t realize is that transitioning to the SEC as a true freshman is a major hurdle for even the most prepared players. The speed of the game, the physicality of the defenses, and the overall level of competition—it’s a different animal.”
Arnold struggled with some of the same issues that most young quarterbacks face: timing, reading defenses, and making adjustments on the fly. He often found himself under duress due to the pressure from SEC defensive lines, and his decision-making, while solid in moments, wasn’t as sharp as it could have been. His first season was marked by inconsistency, a common theme for freshmen quarterbacks transitioning into a league like the SEC.
“Jackson has had his ups and downs,” Venables continued. “There’s a lot to learn, and there’s no substitute for experience. But I think what’s really important is how he’s handled those struggles. He’s incredibly resilient, and that’s what you want from your quarterback. He’s not going to get rattled, and that’s huge for us as we continue to build this offense around him.”
Despite the setbacks, Arnold showed maturity beyond his years, keeping his confidence intact and continuing to work tirelessly to improve. His leadership qualities stood out even when things weren’t going well. Venables noted that Arnold’s ability to maintain composure in high-pressure situations was one of the bright spots of his first season in the SEC.
“I’m proud of how Jackson has approached this whole transition,” Venables said. “The mental side of the game is just as important as the physical, and I think he’s shown a lot of mental toughness this year. That’s the foundation of becoming a great quarterback.”
While Arnold was the more highly-touted freshman, Michael Hawkins Jr. wasn’t far behind in terms of expectations. A four-star prospect, Hawkins was seen as a raw, but immensely talented quarterback who had the physical tools to be an SEC-caliber player. Venables saw potential in Hawkins from the moment he arrived in Norman, but Hawkins, like Arnold, faced a steep learning curve in his first season.
For Hawkins, the biggest hurdle was the speed of the game. As a player known for his strong arm and athleticism, Hawkins often relied on his natural abilities to make plays. However, in the SEC, those raw skills were tested by defenses that could exploit any flaws in his technique or decision-making.
“Michael is a guy who has so much potential,” Venables said. “You watch him and you can see the athleticism, the arm strength, the mobility. But like Jackson, he’s still learning how to operate at the pace and complexity of the SEC. When you’re playing against defenses that are as fast and as smart as the ones in this league, it really forces you to be precise with everything you do. And that’s something that we’ve been working on with Michael.”
Hawkins experienced growing pains during his freshman year, particularly when it came to his mechanics and reading defenses. He was often caught in between decisions, leading to inaccuracies in the passing game and a tendency to hold onto the ball too long in the pocket. These struggles were compounded by the pressure from opposing defenses, who took advantage of his inexperience.
However, despite the struggles, Hawkins remained undeterred. His work ethic and eagerness to learn were evident throughout the season, and his coaches continued to work with him on the fundamentals needed to thrive in the SEC.
“Michael’s been great about listening and learning from his mistakes,” Venables said. “He’s a guy who understands that it’s a process, and he’s willing to put in the work to get better. It’s hard for young players to deal with adversity like this, but Michael has shown a level of maturity that is impressive.”
For both Arnold and Hawkins, the first year in the SEC was about more than just statistics or wins and losses. It was about development and growth, both on and off the field. Venables stressed that the struggles both quarterbacks faced were a natural part of the process and that patience was key.
“In this league, you don’t just wake up one day and become a star,” Venables said. “It takes time. It takes a willingness to learn from your mistakes, to grow in the face of adversity. That’s why we’re not going to rush these guys. We know the talent is there. The question is, how will they handle the challenges? And so far, I’m really impressed with how they’ve responded.”
Venables emphasized that while Oklahoma’s immediate success in the SEC is important, the long-term success of players like Arnold and Hawkins is even more crucial. Developing these quarterbacks into top-tier SEC players will take time, but Venables is confident that both have the potential to lead the Sooners for years to come.
“Jackson and Michael are both incredibly talented,” Venables said. “They’ve got the tools to be great players, but they also need the time to develop, to learn from their mistakes, and to gain the experience they need. That’s something that’s not always appreciated in today’s game—people want instant results. But these things take time.”
As Oklahoma moves into year two in the SEC, the expectations for both Arnold and Hawkins will undoubtedly increase. Venables is hopeful that with the experience they gained in their freshman seasons, both quarterbacks will show significant improvement in year two. For Arnold, this means becoming more consistent and confident in his decision-making. For Hawkins, it means refining his mechanics and continuing to grow as a leader.
“Year two is where you really start to see the leap,” Venables said. “They’ve both had a full season to adjust, to see the speed and physicality of this league. Now it’s about putting it all together. I expect both Jackson and Michael to be better, smarter, and more comfortable in the system. But we also understand that they’re still young players. So, our goal is to continue to develop them and give them the opportunities they need to grow.”
As for the Sooners’ 2025 season, the competition at quarterback will be fierce, with both Arnold and Hawkins vying for the starting job. Venables has made it clear that he expects the best out of both quarterbacks, but he is also committed to giving them the tools to succeed, no matter what.
“Whoever is the starting quarterback, it’s going to be because they earned it,” Venables said. “We’re going to let them compete, and we’re going to make sure that we’re developing them in every way possible. The future of Oklahoma football is bright, and both of these guys are a big part of that future.”
The journey for Jackson Arnold and Michael Hawkins Jr. in the SEC is just beginning, and while the road may be bumpy at times, the growth and lessons they gain will be invaluable for their careers. As Oklahoma continues its adjustment to the SEC, the development of its young quarterbacks will be one of the most important storylines to follow in the coming years. With Venables at the helm, the future for these talented signal-callers looks promising.
