Oklahoma’s quarterback situation will undergo significant changes for the 2025 season. Jackson Arnold, a former five-star recruit, has departed for Auburn, while Washington State transfer John Mateer will join the Sooners.
Mateer, who ranked as the No. 2 quarterback in the transfer portal behind Miami’s Carson Beck, followed offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle to Oklahoma. Despite playing in the remnants of the Pac-12 last season, Mateer established himself as one of the nation’s top quarterbacks.
This quarterback change raises questions about Michael Hawkins Jr.’s future with the program.
The sophomore appeared in seven games last season, briefly replacing Arnold during his struggles. Hawkins finished with 783 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions before being benched in favor of Arnold again.
During 247Sports’ Ultimate CFB Show, Bud Elliot suggested Hawkins could enter the transfer portal this spring.
“This was a player they were already thinking about figuring out a way to pay last year, even though they were saying they liked Jackson Arnold,” Elliot said. “But I know behind the scenes they were trying to figure out how to keep Hawkins in the fold. Now you take Mateer over him. If I’m another team, I’m telling him, ‘Venables is getting fired after this year. You don’t know who is coming in. You fit our system. Come play with us, win the starting job.'”
Head coach Brent Venables enters a critical season in 2025. He’s compiled a 22-17 record over three seasons, with only one winning campaign in 2023 when the team finished 10-3 and ranked No. 15 in the AP Poll.
Venables remains winless in bowl games at 0-3.
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The pressure likely prompted Venables to make significant staff changes, including hiring Arbuckle, which helped secure Mateer’s commitment. The Sooners reportedly paid $2.7 million to sign the transfer quarterback.
Hawkins was a three-star prospect from Texas in the 2024 class. His connection to Oklahoma runs deep, as his father played cornerback for the Sooners from 2005-09.
