Michael Hawkins Jr. replaces Jackson Arnold as OU QB against Tennessee

(This article has been updated with new information.)

NORMAN – It’s time for Michael Hawkins Jr.

OU's true freshman quarterback replaced starter Jackson Arnold in the second quarter when the Sooners trailed Tennessee 19-3. Arnold completed 7 of his 16 passes for 54 yards and an interception and lost two fumbles.

Hawkins Jr. is the son of former OU cornerback Michael Hawkins Sr. A native of Dallas, Hawkins was rated a four-star prospect by ESPN, On3 and Rivals and a three-star recruit by 247Sports.

Hawkins was named a 2023 Elite 11 finalist and helped Emerson High School to the 2023 Texas 5A semifinals. In his senior year, he totaled 4,211 all-purpose yards and 55 touchdowns with just three interceptions in 15 games.