Former Oklahoma QB Jackson Arnold Looks Toward Fresh Start After Entering Transfer Portal
The 2023 season was a challenging one for the Oklahoma Sooners, particularly at the quarterback position. Despite having talented quarterbacks like Jackson Arnold and Michael Hawkins, consistency remained elusive. This lack of stability wasn’t entirely the fault of the quarterbacks, as the Sooners faced a myriad of obstacles, including a series of unfortunate injuries, a problematic offensive scheme, and the absence of a dedicated quarterback coach or coordinator. These factors significantly hampered the team’s offensive production and left both young quarterbacks struggling to find their rhythm.
For Jackson Arnold, a five-star recruit who had been widely anticipated to take a major step forward this year, the season was a particularly frustrating one. This was supposed to be the moment Arnold showcased why he was one of the top recruits in the country, but instead, things went sideways. From a lack of offensive consistency to the team’s overall struggles, Arnold was unable to find the success many had expected, leading to a disappointing campaign.
Given the turmoil surrounding Oklahoma’s quarterback play this year, it became increasingly likely that Arnold would seek a fresh start. On Thursday, Arnold officially made his decision, announcing that he would enter the transfer portal, looking to play for a new team in 2025. This decision comes as part of a broader trend in college football, with many players taking advantage of the portal to find new opportunities for playing time and success.
Arnold has already made it clear that he has several schools in mind as potential landing spots, and his interest from these programs highlights that his talent has not gone unnoticed. According to reports from On3, Arnold is considering a number of top-tier programs, including the Georgia Bulldogs, Auburn Tigers, and Mississippi State Bulldogs. Notably, Mississippi State is a school with personal ties, as it is the current home of Jeff Lebby, Arnold’s former offensive coordinator at Oklahoma.
Of all his potential destinations, Georgia seems to be the most promising option for Arnold’s future. The Bulldogs, fresh off a successful season with Carson Beck under center, will likely be looking for their next starting quarterback. Arnold would face stiff competition to earn the starting role but has expressed interest in battling it out during fall camp to claim the position. Given Georgia’s strong football program and its recent success, particularly under head coach Kirby Smart, it’s easy to see why Arnold might view this as an ideal place to continue his development and potentially lead the offense.
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While a starting role at Georgia would require Arnold to compete against other talented quarterbacks, the opportunity to play at such a prestigious program could offer him the best environment to succeed, especially with the resources and coaching staff available. If Arnold were to win the job, he would be stepping into a high-profile position, with the chance to showcase his skills on one of the biggest stages in college football.
Arnold’s decision to transfer also highlights the competitive nature of college football, where even highly ranked recruits sometimes have to pivot to find the right fit. As the transfer portal continues to see significant movement, Arnold will likely have several more opportunities to evaluate schools and find the best program to match his talents and career aspirations. For now, it’s clear that despite a challenging year, Jackson Arnold’s potential remains undeniable, and he’ll likely have plenty of suitors as he looks to start fresh at a new program in 2025.
