Oklahoma quarterback turns past struggles into fuel for 2025 season
Michael Hawkins has been here before. A year ago, he was a backup quarterback suddenly thrust into the spotlight when former Sooner Jackson Arnold went down. The results were uneven, flashes of promise mixed with moments best left in the past. Now, with a second chance at the helm, Hawkins isn’t shying away from the pressure. Instead, he’s leaning on what last season taught him.
The experience matters. Hawkins showed grit when he rallied Oklahoma against Tennessee in the second half, refusing to let the stage overwhelm him. He proved his toughness again by leading the Sooners to a road win at Auburn, a victory that gave fans a glimpse of his potential. And when things didn’t go right, he absorbed the lessons that only failure can provide.
This time, Hawkins isn’t walking into chaos. He’s stepping into a healthier offense, surrounded by playmakers and guided by offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle’s quarterback-friendly system. The young signal-caller credits Oklahoma’s staff for his growth, noting how their hands-on approach sharpened his reads and boosted his confidence.
“The vibe in the room is more upbeat and just happy,” Hawkins said. “Just the connection with those guys really helps you.”
With teammates backing him and the game finally slowing down, Hawkins has a real chance to write a different story. Oklahoma fans know the talent is there. Now, it’s time to see if Hawkins can turn hard lessons into lasting success.
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