Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold made his debut against South Carolina after being sidelined since September. Arnold, a former five-star prospect, replaced freshman Michael Hawkins in the first quarter of the game, ditching his redshirt in the process. This move came as the Sooners were trailing the Gamecocks 21-0, with Hawkins committing turnovers on each of Oklahoma’s first three possessions.
With this appearance, Arnold is no longer eligible for a redshirt in 2024, leaving him with two more years of eligibility after the current season. Coach Brent Venables had made it clear earlier in the week that Arnold was still an integral part of the team’s plans and that he would only be inserted into the game if his contribution was needed to secure a win.
Despite Oklahoma’s 34-3 loss to Texas in the previous week, Venables had not considered replacing Hawkins with Arnold during that game. However, Hawkins’ early struggles against South Carolina prompted the switch, with him throwing an interception and having a fumble returned for a touchdown in quick succession.
The Sooners, who entered the game with a 4-2 record and a 1-2 conference record in their first SEC campaign, turned to Arnold in hopes of turning the tide against the Gamecocks. Arnold’s return to the field signifies a new chapter in Oklahoma’s season as they navigate the challenges of competing in a new conference.
As Arnold takes on this new role, the pressure is on for him to deliver and prove himself as a valuable asset to the team. With his talent and potential, Arnold has the opportunity to make a significant impact on the Sooners’ season and solidify his position as a key player moving forward. Oklahoma fans are eager to see how Arnold will perform in the coming games and whether he can help lead the team to success in the competitive landscape of college football.
