Oklahoma QB Jackson Arnold Admits it ‘Sucks Being a Backup,’ Gearing up For 2024 Campaign

Oklahoma will be entering the SEC in the 2024 college football season behind the leadership of signal-caller Jackson Arnold, who will be in his sophomore season. While he was a backup in his true freshman season behind current Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, Arnold is ready to lead the Sooners in his second campaign in Norman.

Arnold saw his first full-game of action in the Alamo Bowl against Arizona, a game in which Arnold saw every up-and-down a quarterback can in a college football game. He posted 361 passing yards and two touchdowns, though he threw three interceptions. While it wasn’t all glamorous, the 38-24 loss leaves Arnold plenty to grow from.

“To kind of step into that leadership role, I had to admit my mistakes,” Arnold told media members on Monday. “To further connect with the dudes in the team, I had to tell these guys, ‘Hey, I messed up but going forward like this year is over. Now it’s time to go to the SEC.’ I’d like to collectively push the game behind us and grow together as a team.”

Heading into just his second year of college football, Arnold seems ready to take over not just as the starting quarterback, but as a vocal leader. This is important for a young quarterback with more than enough talent to compete in a brutal SEC conference, which leaves very little room for mistake.

For Arnold, getting back to comfort as a starting quarterback is huge, as he is ready to no longer be a backup.

“I love DG to death — that’s my guy — but it sucks being a backup,” Arnold said. “It sucks to be on the sideline and watch somebody else play.”

Now, it’s Arnolds time. He’s going through the process of spring football as the starting quarterback. He’s got the opportunity to embrace the role and prepare for a gauntlet of a schedule in the 2024 college football season, and it seems he’s ready to do so.