Oklahoma’s tumultuous 2024 football season has raised questions on multiple fronts but none more particularly than the quarterback position. While Jackson Arnold reclaimed the starting job after a brief benching, uncertainty still lingers about his long-term commitment to the Sooners, and justifiable so.
Brent Venables expressed confidence in Arnold’s future with the team, stating that the young quarterback is likely to be eager to return and continue his development. However, the transfer portal and NIL has started a trend of players transferring for multiple reasons, and feeling disrespected, underappreciated, or downright undervalued are more than enough reasons for players to bolt. Should this raise concerns? Absolutely! Especially when Venables’ confidence is based on an assumption.
“My assumption is that you’re dang right he wants to be back,” Venables said on Tuesday. “Why would he not? That’s how I look at it. Now, I don’t have my head in the sand. I would be concerned if I was thinking in that way, ‘I wonder if he wants to be back.’ Well, (shoot), you’re the starting quarterback at Oklahoma. That’s your dream. You turned down a lot of good people to come here. And now you’ve faced some headwinds, and now you’re just gonna quit? I don’t see that in him, and I don’t see that in guys in our locker room. Does it happen in college football or in life? You’re damn right. But not with people that are built with the right stuff, not at all. And Jackson’s got the right stuff.”
Arnold showed strong signs of improvement just one week into his new tutelage under Joe Jon Finley and recently promoted quarterbacks coach Kevin Johns. Arnold finished the Ole Miss game, last Saturday, with 182 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns while completing 71% of his passes, which was a career-best completion percentage in a start. He was also dangerous with his legs, running for 103 yards, however most of that was erased though the ten quarterback sacks that the Sooners surrendered. It was the best version of Jackson Arnold that Oklahoma has seen on the field, leaving more than enough reason for optimism. That said, the best thing that Venables has to work with right now is an assumption, in regards to what his quarterback is going to do. Is that enough?
Arnold’s decision to return to Oklahoma will likely depend on several factors, including his personal goals, the team’s overall direction, and potential opportunities elsewhere. You have to think that the Sooners’ coaching staff will need to provide him with the necessary support and resources to help him succeed. They’re going to need to make another recruiting pitch, get honest feedback, and work with more than just assumptions.
Oklahoma’s struggles this season have created a challenging environment for players and coaches alike. The team’s ability to retain key players, including Arnold, will be crucial for their future success. Venables emphasized, the program is committed to building a strong culture and attracting players who are truly dedicated to the team.
“At the end of the day, for me, I want guys that want to be here because they want to put on the crimson and cream,” Venables said. “They love their coaches, they love the locker room, they love being an Oklahoma Sooner. That’s where it all starts with me. I believe the guys in our locker room, that they love meeting that criteria, and I believe that firmly.”
Ultimately, the future of Oklahoma’s quarterback position remains uncertain heading into the final four games of the season. While Arnold showed flashes of brilliance last Saturday, his consistency and ability to lead the team can’t be determined just one week into the offensive coaching staff changes. That means that Arnold is still a gamble at this point, so, how would you bet on him?
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