Backup Quarterback: An Often Overlooked Yet Crucial Role for the Oklahoma Sooners
The position of backup quarterback is rarely a focus for fans or coaches, yet it’s essential to have this role clearly defined before the season begins.
For the Oklahoma Sooners, there is no ambiguity about who their starting quarterback will be in Brent Venables’ third year as head coach. Jackson Arnold was long ago identified as the player to lead the team as they transition from the Big 12 to the SEC.
Changes in the Quarterback Room
The quarterback room has undergone significant changes around the former five-star recruit. Former offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Jeff Lebby is now the head coach at Mississippi State. Matt Wells, a former offensive analyst, is now co-offensive coordinator at Kansas State. Additionally, assistant quarterbacks coach Matt Holocek followed Lebby to Mississippi State.
To replace Lebby, Seth Littrell and Joe Jon Finley were promoted to co-offensive coordinators, with Littrell handling the quarterbacks and likely serving as the primary play-caller, while Finley continues to coach tight ends. Kevin Johns, previously the OC and quarterbacks coach at Duke, was hired as an offensive analyst. Johns has prior experience working with Littrell and began his coaching career under former Oklahoma OC and current Tulsa head coach Kevin Wilson. Jack Lowary and Ty Hatcher, hired in December, have also joined the offensive support staff, both with experience working with quarterbacks.
Departures and the Current Roster
This offseason saw Dillon Gabriel, Davis Beville, General Booty, and Jacob Switzer leave the program via the transfer portal, leaving Arnold as the only returning quarterback.
Heading into the 2024 season, Oklahoma has four additional quarterbacks on the roster: veteran transfer Casey Thompson, true freshmen Michael Hawkins Jr. and Brendan Zurbrugg, and late transfer enrollee Steele Wasel.
Backup Quarterback Competition
The key question is which of these players will be ready if something happens to Arnold. Last season, Arnold’s redshirt year was cut short when he had to replace Gabriel in a crucial game against BYU.
Casey Thompson, with experience from stints at Texas, Nebraska, and Florida Atlantic, brings the reliability sought in a college backup quarterback. Despite joining as a walk-on transfer and recovering from injury this offseason, Thompson has deep ties to Oklahoma football through his father Charles and brother Kendal, both former Sooners.
Michael Hawkins Jr., another Oklahoma legacy, is a highly talented true freshman from Frisco Emerson High School in Texas. As a dual-threat quarterback, he showed his potential in the 2024 Spring Game and could be the future at the position if he develops over the next few years.
Brendan Zurbrugg, the second quarterback recruit of the 2024 class, hails from Alliance, Ohio, and will likely serve as a depth player this season, with opportunities to demonstrate his skills in practice.
Steele Wasel, the newest addition, transferred from Akron in June. As an in-state product and walk-on, he’ll provide depth and serve as a practice arm against top-tier players.
Thompson and Hawkins Jr. are the main contenders for the backup role, each offering different strengths. Thompson’s experience may be favored in critical moments, while Hawkins Jr.’s potential could be crucial if Arnold’s absence extends over several games. Zurbrugg and Wasel, while further down the depth chart, could see action if circumstances demand it.
Preparing for the Season
The competition for backup quarterback will likely continue through fall camp. Venables, Littrell, and Finley need to prepare both the experienced Thompson and the young Hawkins Jr. to step up if necessary. Additionally, keeping Zurbrugg and Wasel ready for action ensures the team is prepared for any scenario.
In summary, while Jackson Arnold is set to lead the Sooners, having a capable backup quarterback is essential. Oklahoma must be ready for any eventuality to navigate the challenges of the upcoming season in the SEC.
