Brent Venables says Jackson Arnold is ready to live up to expectations at OU

SANDESTIN, Fla. — Brent Venables has no worries when it comes to Jackson Arnold being the starting quarterback at OU.

The expectations are sky-high for the former five-star recruit from Denton (Texas) Guyer High School. Many believe Arnold could be the next great quarterback at Oklahoma, as he replaces Dillon Gabriel, who transferred to Oregon.

Following spring practice, though, Arnold remains one of the biggest question marks of the 2024 season. While many believe he has the ability to be great, he has had limited opportunities to show it. In his lone start, against Arizona in the Alamo Bowl, he threw for 361 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.

But Venables isn’t worried about the pressure Arnold is facing.

“I don’t think they’re any higher than they were when he was at Denton Guyer,” Venables said at SEC Spring Meetings Tuesday. “And I’m not trying to downplay anything. This is a guy that was the national player of the year. So he has incredibly high standards and expectations, so I clap back quickly only because I don’t feel like it’s anything more than he’s already done. He knows he’s the quarterback.”

Oklahoma’s success in 2024 will largely depend on Arnold’s play. And this spring Arnold appeared to show tremendous growth. Venables certainly believes that, saying as much following the spring game.

So while Arnold still has to prove he can be that guy, there’s no question his coach believes he is. And Venables also knows Arnold has to be that guy for his team.

“All good football teams, at a really high level, are going to be quarterback-driven,” Venables said. “The quarterback can’t play ‘alright’ and then the team be really good. That’s a given. That’s the arena Jackson knows he has stepped into. But the good thing is, usually on those good teams, the quarterback is surrounded by a good football team.

“So just playing within the systems and being spectacular when he wants to — that always helps. Jackson’s going to focus on Jackson. And Jackson’s going to focus on improving and being the best version of himself. And he’s a guy that knows the tough moments are a part of that position.”

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