Pro Football Focus lists Jackson Arnold among 10 breakout candidates for 2024

All attention will be focused on Jackson Arnold as Oklahoma embarks on its inaugural SEC season. It’s understandable given that the sophomore, formerly a highly regarded five-star recruit, is now leading the Sooners’ offense during their transition from the Big 12 to the SEC. While there’s confidence within the program, particularly voiced by head coach Brent Venables, that Arnold will thrive as QB1 at OU, there’s also external speculation that Arnold could have a standout second season in college football.

Pro Football Focus recently named Arnold as one of their 10 breakout candidates for the 2024 season. Among the six players from SEC programs and the four quarterbacks identified as potential breakout stars, Arnold stands out. The other SEC players on the list are Georgia’s tight end Oscar Delp, LSU’s wide receiver Kyren Lacy, and the quarterbacks Brock Vandagriff from Kentucky (a transfer from Georgia), Conner Weigman from Texas A&M, and Nico Iamaleava from Tennessee, all of whom were top-10 overall recruits in the 2023 class like Arnold.

PFF described Arnold as a 6-foot-1 dual-threat quarterback with impressive arm talent. Despite displaying composure on the field last year, earning a 69.1 overall grade across 181 snaps, Arnold needs to minimize mistakes, as he had more turnover-worthy plays (5) than big-time throws (4) over 77 dropbacks. Nonetheless, his first start showed promise, going 26-of-45 for 361 passing yards and an additional 65 rushing yards across five rush attempts.

Arriving at Oklahoma with high expectations as a composite five-star recruit, Arnold quickly solidified himself as the No. 2 quarterback behind returning starter Dillon Gabriel. Although the initial plan was to redshirt Arnold, circumstances led him to appear in seven games, including his first career start in the Alamo Bowl following Gabriel’s transfer to Oregon.

Arnold’s freshman year commenced with a flawless debut, where he completed all 11 of his pass attempts in the second half of a lopsided victory against Arkansas State. Marking his 19th birthday, Arnold threw for 114 yards and a touchdown while adding 39 rushing yards and another touchdown. His redshirt status changed in Week 12 against BYU, as Gabriel’s concussion prompted Arnold to take charge for the entire second half, guiding OU to a crucial road triumph.

The Alamo Bowl versus Arizona showcased Arnold’s most substantial involvement of the season. Despite displaying his strong arm with 26 completions for 361 yards and two touchdowns, he also contributed to four of Oklahoma’s six turnovers in the 38-24 defeat, with three interceptions and a lost fumble.

Such fluctuating performance was typical of a talented freshman in his inaugural start, yet Arnold’s challenges did not sway Venables’ faith in him as the program’s new figurehead.

Arnold moved past that game during spring, fully embracing the QB1 role and leading the offense through the initial implementation of first-year offensive coordinator Seth Littrell’s system. While confidence in Arnold abounds within OU’s program, Arnold himself isn’t avoiding the pressures of the spotlight and is prepared to uphold the high quarterbacking standards set by his predecessors at Oklahoma.

“He understands,” remarked Venables last week at the SEC spring meetings in Destin, Florida. “He’s the quarterback. In elite football teams, the quarterback leads the charge. The team can’t excel if the quarterback is just ‘alright’. That’s a given. Jackson is aware of the arena he’s entered into… So, adhering to the system and occasionally delivering brilliance definitely aids. Yet, Jackson’s focus is on self-improvement, striving to be the finest version of himself, and progressing.

He’s someone who comprehends that adversity is part of the job description—like in any role—essential for growth. That’s one of his core attributes.”