Oklahoma Sooners’ 2024 Season Report Card: Quarterbacks
The Oklahoma Sooners’ 2024 season was a disappointment, finishing with a 6-7 record. One of the primary reasons for this underwhelming performance was the subpar play from the quarterback position.
Jackson Arnold, touted as the next great OU quarterback, failed to live up to expectations. He started the first four games but was benched after a dismal performance against Tennessee. Michael Hawkins Jr. took over for the next three games but struggled against South Carolina, leading to Arnold’s reinstatement.
Both quarterbacks showed flashes of potential, particularly in rushing, but their passing games were ineffective against conference opponents. The lack of consistency and playmaking ability from the quarterbacks was a significant issue for the Sooners.
The situation was further complicated by the underperformance of the offensive line, injuries to wide receivers, and a dysfunctional offensive coordinator situation. Seth Littrell’s brief tenure as play-caller was marked by poor decision-making, and his replacement, Kevin Johns, has since departed for Oklahoma State.
The Sooners’ quarterback woes were a far cry from the program’s usual standards. To address this, head coach Brent Venables has brought in Ben Arbuckle as the new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Arbuckle’s task is to revitalize the offense, starting with the quarterback position.
Grade: D+
The Sooners’ quarterbacks failed to make a positive impact on the game, struggling with consistency and playmaking ability. While there were some bright spots, the overall performance was disappointing. With Arbuckle’s arrival, there is hope for improvement in 2025.
