Brent Venables acknowledges the intense attention surrounding Jackson Arnold as Oklahoma transitions into its first SEC season. This acknowledgment traces back to Arnold’s debut start during the Alamo Bowl last December, a game where he showcased his strong arm but struggled with turnovers, contributing to Oklahoma’s loss against Arizona.
Following that game, Venables reiterated his confidence in Arnold, recognizing him as a pivotal figure for the program moving forward into the 2024 season. Venables is aware of the increased scrutiny, expectations, and pressure that accompany Arnold’s role as the starting quarterback, but he remains unfazed by these factors.
Venables expresses unwavering faith in Arnold, who was highly touted coming out of high school and was a significant recruit for Venables’ first recruiting class at Oklahoma. Despite originally planning to redshirt Arnold in his freshman year, circumstances led to him getting playing time, culminating in his first start at the Alamo Bowl.
Arnold’s performance during his freshman season showed glimpses of his potential, and he enters his sophomore season as the clear starting quarterback for the Sooners. Despite the challenges, including adjusting to a new offensive coordinator and system, Arnold has embraced the pressure of leading Oklahoma’s offense, a program known for producing top-tier quarterbacks.
Venables emphasizes that Arnold understands the responsibilities that come with being the quarterback and acknowledges the importance of his role in the team’s success. Arnold is focused on continuous improvement and rising to the occasion, recognizing that facing challenges is essential for growth and development in his position.
