The true freshman has done a nice job of taking care of the ball in the passing game, but he'll have to open things up more as he gets more acclimated as the So

Michael Hawkins Jr., on the eve of his first OU-Texas start, was watching a broadcast of Maliek Hawkins' game.

The Oklahoma Sooners aren't planning to make a change at quarterback ahead of their matchup with the South Carolina Gamecocks. On the Rudy's Barbecue Coach's Show, Venables reiterated trust in quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr.

The Red River rivalry has often featured defining performances from Oklahoma wide receivers. Caleb Williams’ breakout game in 2021 also saw Marvin Mims Jr. average 27 yards per catch and snag a game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Hawkins alone couldn’t save this Sooner offense. Not behind a makeshift offensive line, not with this group of receivers, not with an inefficient run game. Any thoughts of a midseason offensive renaissance were pollyannaish, no matter who the quarterback was. The Sooners just aren’t very good offensively, and that was before a rash of injuries.

However, three first half turnovers from Arnold in week four forced head coach Brent Venables to pull his starter and insert freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. into the game. The youngster settled in against the Volunteers and moved the ball in the late stages of the game, earning his first career start against Auburn the following week.

Michael: It means a lot just knowing I'm going into a big stage. It’s my first time playing in this stadium and against this team too so this is a big moment for me. I’m just going to try to take advantage of it and maximize the opportunity I have.

Michael Hawkins Jr. will become the first true freshman to start for the Sooners in the Red River Showdown. This comes two weeks after he was the first true freshman to start on the road for Oklahoma in their win over Auburn. In a season of firsts, Hawkins hasn’t been shaken by the moment.