Brent Venables had a decision to make at quarterback this offseason, opting to head into the SEC with Jackson Arnold. He will be a first-year starter for the Sooners after being a Five-Star Plus+ prospect out of Denton (TX) Guyer. Oklahoma fans have been waiting for Arnold from the moment he committed, even former program legends are excited.
Former Heisman Trophy winner Jason White is like plenty of others in Norman, expecting a big season out of Arnold. White points toward the youngster’s arm, being able to throw a deep ball. And with the wide receivers Oklahoma has at their disposal, White is ready to see the offense in action.
“I think he’s only going to continue to grow,” White said on SEC Now during Oklahoma’s SEC Welcome Party at Gaylord Family Stadium. “You know, the bowl game last year, a lot of people said he struggled. I thought that was a great experience for him. That’s going to catapult him this year to do great things. The kid’s got a great work ethic, he moves well, throws the ball well. Also has a good deep ball… I see big things from Jackson this year.”
Arnold got the start in Oklahoma’s bowl game against Arizona after Dillon Gabriel announced he was entering the transfer portal. Just looking at the stat sheet would not inspire a ton of confidence as Arnold finished 26 of 45 for 361 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. Arizona forced five total turnovers in a second half come from behind win.
Flashes were certainly shown, though. Specifically on those two touchdown throws where Arnold displayed exactly what White mentioned. His first of the night came on a scramble drill, finding Nic Anderson in the back of the end zone. Brennen Thompson was on the receiving end of the second score — a 63-yard bomb from Arnold to open the third quarter.
White ultimately believes the positives from the Alamo Bowl will show up next season for Arnold, not the negatives.
Arnold will get things started on Aug. 30 when Oklahoma opens the season against Temple. His first real test will be a few weeks later when Tennessee comes to Norman for the program’s first-ever SEC game on Sept. 21. Another former Sooners quarterback, Josh Huepel, will be on the opposing sideline.
If the Arnold hype is lived up to, plenty of people — White included — believe Oklahoma can do big things in 2024 and onward.
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