Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold’s redshirt potential catches the attention of Brent Venables.

Oklahoma football had to make an early quarterback switch this season, with true freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. stepping in for Jackson Arnold during the Sooners’ loss to Tennessee after Arnold struggled to generate offense. While the results under Hawkins Jr. have been mixed, his scrambling ability brings a new dynamic that Arnold hasn’t provided.

On Tuesday, Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables was asked about the possibility of redshirting Arnold, as he has only played in four games and is now the backup. Venables admitted they had considered it but haven’t made a final decision yet, according to George Stoia III of Sooner Scoop.

NORMAN, OKLAHOMA – SEPTEMBER 14: Head coach Brent Venables of the Oklahoma Sooners greets his players before a game against the Tulane Green Wave at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 34-19. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

“He wants to be the starting quarterback at the University of Oklahoma,” Venables said, according to Stoia III. “I believe it’s only fair to give Mike the chance to prove himself and build a body of work.”

In nearly three full games, Arnold completed close to 60% of his passes, throwing for 588 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions. Hawkins, on the other hand, has passed for 458 yards and one touchdown this season, while also rushing for 128 yards and a touchdown.

Oklahoma has struggled in its first year in the SEC as the program tries to rebound from Lincoln Riley’s departure and reestablish itself as a college football powerhouse under Brent Venables. After some shaky early-season wins over Tulane and Houston, the Sooners were overwhelmed by Tennessee and Texas, falling to the middle of the SEC standings.

While quarterback play from both Arnold and Hawkins Jr. has been underwhelming, it’s not the team’s main issue. The offense lacks explosiveness regardless of who’s under center, and there’s no clear identity or reliable strategy to consistently move the ball.

The offense looked particularly outmatched against Texas, managing just three points and converting only four of 15 third-down attempts. Meanwhile, the defense has been solid all season, performing well in the Tennessee game as the Sooners tried to fight their way back. However, it isn’t an elite unit capable of carrying the team when the offense struggles.

There’s hope that improvements will come as Venables brings in more recruits and solidifies his position as head coach. Still, the drop-off from Lincoln Riley to Venables, the former Clemson defensive coordinator, has been evident, and the SEC is capitalizing on it.