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 Sooners' starter.

Hawkins Jr. overtook former five-star recruit and starter Jackson Arnold late in the first half of Oklahoma's game against Tennessee in Week 4. The move came after Arnold surrendered three turnovers,

Hawkins Jr. took over as the Sooners’ starting quarterback as a true freshman, leading OU in the school’s first season in the SEC.

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.

Asked if he considered making a switch at quarterback in Oklahoma’s 34-3 loss to Texas on Saturday, Sooners head coach Brent Venables bluntly said “no.

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.

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When the Sooners have elite quarterback play against the Longhorns, OU almost always wins. Can Michael Hawkins be 'next' for OU?