Ex-Oklahoma QBs Michael Hawkins, Jackson Arnold putting up big numbers elsewhere originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
As Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is struggling, former Sooner signal caller Michael Hawkins is thriving at West Virginia and Jackson Arnold, another ex-Oklahoma quarterback, has found his footing at UNLV.
Last week, Hawkins passed for 464 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 77 yards and two more scores in a 45-42 win over Cincinnati. He led a drive that led to the game-winning field goal in the closing seconds.
The sophomore has passed for 1,519 yards and 10 touchdowns with just one interception this season. More impressively, he has rushed for 749 yards and 14 scores. He leads the nation in rushing touchdowns and ranks 10th nationally in rushing yards. He has rushed for at least 100 yards in four of his seven games.
Hawkins passed for 783 yards and rushed for 204 at Oklahoma in 2024. He was Mateer's backup last season after Mateer came in with offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle from Washington State.
Now, Hawkins is one of the top players in the Big 12. The Mountaineers are 4-3 and in good position to make a bowl game.
Michael Hawkins Jr. against Cincinnati today: 🔥 541 Total Yards 🔥 5 Total Touchdowns 🔥 25/33 Passing Led a 99-yard drive for the walk off win on @WVUfootball's homecoming 😮💨 https://t.co/sJdrCNh5nQ
— TNT Sports U.S. (@TNTSportsUS) October 17, 2026
As if that wasn't enough for Oklahoma fans, Arnold has gotten on track at UNLV. The former five-star didn't pan out at Oklahoma -- he was the starter, in 2024, lost the starting job to Hawkins, won it back, then transferred. He had a mediocre season at Auburn last season before transferring to UNLV.
MORE: Oklahoma assistants Arbuckle, Bedenbaugh running out of time to fix offense
It has worked out. He has passed for 1,386 yards and 10 touchdowns with just two interceptions while rushing for 408 yards and six more scores. Last week, he passed for 246 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 78 yards and another score in a 41-31 win over Air Force.
The Rebels, like the Mountaineers, are 4-3.
TOUCHDOWN REBELS 📺 CBSSN https://t.co/oN1EZ6U3dW
— UNLV Football (@unlvfootball) October 17, 2026