Oklahoma benches QB Jackson Arnold, will start freshman vs. Auburn

Field Level Media|published: Mon 23rd September, 21:32 2024

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) runs past Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott (55) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Tennessee Volunteers at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.

Oklahoma is benching quarterback Jackson Arnold and turning to true freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. for its Saturday road game against Auburn, coach Brent Venables said Monday during his weekly coaches show.

Arnold, a sophomore, completed 61 of 102 passes for 538 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions in the first four games of the season, leading the Sooners to a 3-1 record. He also rushed for 138 yards and a pair of scores.

Oklahoma benched Arnold on Saturday during a 25-15 home loss to then-No. 6 Tennessee after the signal-caller hit on just 7 of 16 passes for 54 yards and a pick. Hawkins took over, throwing for 132 yards and a TD on 11-of-18 passing.

The Sooners, who were ranked 15th in the nation ahead of the meeting with the Volunteers, dropped to No. 21 this week.

Hawkins was rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.

--Field Level Media