When it comes to SEC recruiting, there’s no such thing as an off day. And Brent Venables knows that better than most. “I’m not naive,” he said, “Even when you’re doing well, people are always trying to chip away.” He got a brutal reminder of that when his prized quarterback, Jackson Arnold, the five-star savior, decided to take his golden arm to Auburn. The scenario that once had Venables sleeping soundly turned into a full-blown crisis. He simply can’t afford another season of struggle. So, he’s hitting the recruiting trail like a man possessed.

Let’s be real, Jackson Arnold’s inconsistencies last season were a rough ride for him and the Sooners. They even parted ways with OC/QB coach Seth Littrell mid-season after posting the statistically worst Oklahoma offense through seven games. And a 6-7 record? That’s a far cry from the 10-3 high of the previous year. But while Arnold’s numbers—154-of-246 passes for 1,421 yards, 12 TDs, and 3 INTs—don’t tell the full story, the offensive line’s performance did. Injuries, inexperience, and a revolving door of linemen made life miserable for Arnold.

Venables is determined to avoid a repeat, and recruiting is his weapon. Insider Collin Kennedy revealed on 247Sports, “Quite literally a massive recruiting weekend at Oklahoma as around 70-plus prospects were in Norman, and some of the headlines here, starting with four-star 2026 running back Jonathan Hatton Jr., are reestablishing some contention with a prospect formally committed to the program. Next up, a number of new offers go out in the 2027 cycle.” Jonathan’s got big-name suitors like Ohio State, Bama, and the Vols, but Venables isn’t naive; he’s got another move lined up.

And here’s the kicker, according to Kennedy, “The sooner is honing in on a few new targets there. And last, but certainly not least, use continued pursuit of four-star 2026 quarterback Bowe Bentley, despite still having the commitment of Jaden O’Neal at the same position within the same cycle. Oh, you are having some productive conversations there, but in general, it is a very productive weekend for Oklahoma.” Why chase Bentley when O’Neal’s already on board? Simple: quarterback security.

Arnold’s departure taught Venables a hard lesson—you can’t rely on just one golden arm. Quarterbacks are king, and depth is non-negotiable. Remember, the Sooners’ offensive line was a sieve last year, letting up 46 sacks, 132nd nationally. Arnold was constantly under siege, even getting benched for freshman Michael Hawkins at one point.

Now, Arnold’s in Auburn, and Venables is left wondering if relying on a freshman is a gamble he can afford. With top programs like Ohio State, Bama, and Vols also vying for recruits, he’s building a safety net, making sure he’s got options under center.

Brent Venables is building a strong QB room in Oklahoma

Brent Venables can breathe a sigh of relief, at least for the time being. Michael Hawkins stepped up to the QB1 position and impressed, showing he has what it takes to lead the Sooners through tough times. From his debut against Tennessee to his performance in the Armed Forces Bowl, Hawkins kept Oklahoma’s offense running smoothly. But in football, having depth is crucial, and Brent Venables knows it pretty well.

This is where John Mateer comes in, considered the top transfer quarterback in the nation. After sitting out the 2022 season, Mateer gained experience as a redshirt freshman, showcasing his dual-threat skills with 235 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 93 rushing yards with three scores. By 2024, Mateer wasn’t just in the running for the starting position—he had claimed it.

John Mateer accepted the Washington State job and never looked back. In his debut, he dominated Portland State with 352 yards and five touchdowns, maintaining his impressive performance throughout the season. By the end of the year, he had accumulated 3,139 passing yards, 826 rushing yards, and an astonishing 44 total touchdowns. Recognizing his outstanding offensive skills, the Pac-12 honored him as their top performer. Without delay, Oklahoma seized the opportunity when he entered the transfer portal on December 16th.

While Mateer still awaits his debut, excitement and expectations surrounding the quarterback are at their peak. Analysts see similarities between his dual-threat style and that of Baker Mayfield, the former Oklahoma star and Heisman winner. As CFB analyst Brandon Drumm tweeted, “John Mateer’s mannerisms and just overall look on the field is very much eerily similar to a certain QB that wore 6 back in the day. Almost freakishly similar.” Arnold who? Venables is stacking quarterbacks like chips, proving he’s learned his lesson about having good QB room.