Yet another QB trouble in college football. Already Texas Longhorns QB Steve Sarkisian is struggling with QB Carson Beck’s injury. And guess who is even in a worse position? Brent Venables, the Oklahoma Sooners HC. All thanks to their QB Jacskon Arnold, who has already decided to call it quits with the Sooners.

However, this should not be the case since the program has always been known for its rich QB legacy. But gone are those times, as their Hall of Famer HC addresses the Venables’ new trouble while, at the same time, the HC is held accountable for Arnold’s departure. 

Arnold’s stellar numbers impress the Sooners legend

The Sooners’ roster has always been a treasure trove of talent. There is no doubt about this fact. Out of all other positions, their QB positions have always been graced by true legends. The first one to come up is Kyler Murray, who became the first signal-caller to amass over 4,361 passing and 1,001 rushing yards, paired with 42 touchdowns in a single season. And how to forget about Baker Mayfield, who recorded 4,627 passing yards, 311 rushing yards, and 43 touchdowns. Now it looks like Venables’ program has landed in a deep soup when it comes to their QB. Jackson Arnold, even though he came up with promising stats—1,421 passing yards, 444 rushing yards, and 15 total touchdowns—soon got benched after faltering against Tennessee when he came with three interceptions. Now what does the ex-Oklahoma HC, Bob Stoops, think about Arnold? 

Well, having coached for 17 long years, from 1999 to 2016, and having led the Sooners to a national championship in 2000, you know that man carries some rich experience. In the Arnold situation, even Stoops is left confused. “I don’t now, whether I’m surprised or not,” he said. But the HOF coach can’t deny the QB’s powers, as he added, “The young man, love him for all he’s done and yeah, it’s such a high pressure job at Oklahoma to be the quarterback with all the success through the years, so many of them that we’ve had so I wish him the best.” 

Looks like Arnold holding a completion rate of 62.2% along with a 192.5 efficiency rating was enough to woo Stoops. The ex-HC then claimed, “I’m not in the building so I just wish him the best if he does and will not be surprised if he goes somewhere and has a ton of success. Really won’t be at all. He’s a talented young man.” Now Venables must be biting his nails off in regret. 

Jackson Arnold’s potential next stop has a Sooners connection 

When Arnold’s transfer news started to do rounds, the Oklahoma HC had been thrown under the bus. For instance, 247 Sports analyst Cooper Petagna shed light on how Venables took things easy with the QB. “Was there a better way for Brent Venables to handle this situation than taking one, outputting the other one in, and now all of a sudden you might not have neither,” stated the analyst.  

Maybe, somewhere deep, Jackson Arnold might have been left heartbroken when the HC counted on Michael Hawkins Jr. instead of him. Besides pointing fingers at Venables for not setting his targets right, Petagna also dropped some advice for the QB. “What’s in line for Jackson Arnold needs to find a place a good fit sit for a year regain his confidence and then find a way to earn that job back,” stated the analyst. Looks like Arnold has got a step closer to finding his new home. 

As per On3’s analyst Pete Nakos’ prediction, the Mississippi State football is likely to land the Oklahoma starter. After all, Jackson Arnold has some connection to MSU. Wondering how? Well, the Mississippi State HC Jeff Lebby held the offensive coordinator role with the Sooners in 2022 and 2003. What’s even more special is the fact that the QB was a freshman for Oklahoma in Sooner’s last season. Let’s hope MSU becomes the perfect stage for Jackson Arnold to shine brighter.