Brent Venables Announces Oklahoma’s Starting Quarterback for Auburn Game

Brent Venables announced that Michael Hawkins will start at quarterback for Oklahoma on Saturday against Auburn.

The true freshman took over for Jackson Arnold late in the first half of OU’s 25-15 loss to Tennessee in Week 4. Hawkins led OU on a pair of touchdown drives that helped the Sooners get back into the game, but it wasn’t enough to secure a victory.

Venables announced his decision on his coach’s show Monday night:

Brent Venables said on his coach’s show that Michael Hawkins will start Saturday at Auburn. #Sooners

– Georges Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) September 24, 2024

Venables will likely provide more details on the decision to select Hawkins when he meets local media for his weekly news conference on Tuesday.

Venables was highly critical of Arnold’s performance, including two turnovers, in his postgame press conference after the Tennessee game. He was also highly complimentary of the job Hawkins did against the Vols.

Hawkins completed 11 of 18 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown against the Vols. He was also very effective with his feet and nearly scored a touchdown on the run late in the fourth quarter, but fell just short.

Kickoff against Auburn is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday afternoon.