So far in Norman, Arbuckle has successfully matched wits with football
lifer and Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, and he’s found a way to build an offensive game plan around a pair of hobbled offensive linemen to notch an SEC win over long-establshed Auburn DC D.J. Durkin.
Ben Arbuckle’s tenure at Oklahoma to date has been short but impressive.
In December, Brent Venables hired his new offensive coordinator in hopes of handing the keys to the Sooners’ offense to one of the sport’s rising stars.
Four weeks into the 2025 season, Venables’ evaluation appears to be spot-on.
Arbuckle convinced quarterback John Mateer to continue developing under him for a third consecutive year.
Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle embraces quarterback John Mateer after defeating Michigan. / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
After an offseason of schematic installation and rebuilding confidence in OU’s offensive pieces, the Sooners roll into their first bye week a perfect 4-0 with wins over Michigan and Auburn.
Mateer became an early betting favorite to win the Heisman Trophy — but Tuesday’s announcement halted the hype train.
The OU quarterback will miss some time after sustaining an injury to his right hand in the first quarter against Auburn.
He’ll miss Oklahoma’s contest with Kent State on Oct. 6, and his status for the Red River Shootout is in serious jeopardy.
So far in Norman, Arbuckle has successfully matched wits with football lifer and Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, and he’s found a way to build an offensive game plan around a pair of hobbled offensive linemen to notch an SEC win over long-establshed Auburn DC D.J. Durkin.
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Now he’ll have to get sophomore Michael Hawkins Jr. ready to answer the call in the Cotton Bowl on Oct. 11.
Arbuckle has a great foundation to build upon.
Hawkins signed with Oklahoma as a 4-star recruit in the eyes of On3 and Rivals and a 3-star prospect in 247Sports’ ratings.
He made four starts last year — including the contest against Texas — and Hawkins started the Sooners’ first-ever SEC win on the road at Auburn