Michael Hawkins Jr. is quickly becoming a rising star in college football. Despite starting the 2024 season as Jackson Arnold’s backup, the Oklahoma Sooners’ true freshman quarterback showed both his potential and the need for improvement. He was tested early last season, replacing then-starter Jackson Arnold in the first SEC game against Tennessee. Hawkins started for four games. In those, he passed for 783 passing yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed for 204 yards and a touchdown.

In the 2025 season, Hawkins found himself in a similar situation as last year. He is taking over as Oklahoma’s starting quarterback once more after a hand injury sidelined John Mateer , but this time he appears to be more prepared. He chose to stay in Norman rather than transfer, a

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