“I Am Leaving, But Promise to Return”: Oklahoma QB Jackson Arnold Announces Departure Due to…
NORMAN, OK – In an unexpected turn of events, Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Jackson Arnold has announced he is leaving the program, citing personal reasons for his decision. The highly-touted freshman, who was poised to become the face of the Sooner offense after Spencer Rattler’s departure, made the announcement earlier this morning in a heartfelt statement released through his social media channels.
Arnold’s Departure Shakes Up Sooners’ Quarterback Room
The departure of Arnold, who had been the centerpiece of Oklahoma’s quarterback future after a stellar high school career, has sent shockwaves through the college football world. With the Sooners transitioning under a new coaching staff, Arnold was expected to be the starting quarterback heading into the 2024 season. His decision to leave has left fans and analysts alike questioning what’s next for the Sooners’ quarterback room.
Despite his exit, Arnold was quick to assure fans that this is not the end of his Oklahoma story. “I want to make it clear: I am not done with the Sooners. I will be back,” Arnold wrote in his statement. “Oklahoma has always felt like home, and I plan to return once I’ve taken care of some personal matters. The legacy of this program is in my heart, and one day, I will wear the crimson and cream again with pride. I owe it to myself, my teammates, and the fans to come back stronger and finish what I started.”
A Star in the Making
Jackson Arnold’s announcement comes as a surprise, given his promising future with the Sooners. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound dual-threat quarterback from Denton, Texas, had been one of the most highly anticipated recruits in recent years. He was ranked as a top 5 quarterback prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, and his decision to sign with Oklahoma had been seen as a major coup for the Sooners’ program.
During his senior year at Denton Ryan High School, Arnold put up staggering numbers, passing for over 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns while also showcasing his mobility with over 600 rushing yards. His combination of arm strength, accuracy, and ability to make plays with his legs drew comparisons to some of the most successful quarterbacks in Oklahoma history, including Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield. His early days in Norman had generated excitement among fans who hoped he would continue the Sooners’ tradition of elite quarterback play.
A Personal Decision
In his statement, Arnold emphasized that his departure was not the result of any issues with the coaching staff, his teammates, or the Oklahoma football program. “The Sooners are a family, and I’ve never felt more welcomed or supported. This decision is entirely personal, and I need some time to focus on things outside of football,” Arnold explained. “I know the fans and my teammates will be disappointed, but I am confident that this is the right choice for me at this moment in my life.”
Sources close to the program have suggested that Arnold has been dealing with some personal challenges, including family matters and the pressure that comes with such high expectations. However, details surrounding his decision remain unclear. The Sooners coaching staff, led by head coach Brent Venables, has expressed understanding and support for Arnold’s decision.
“We fully support Jackson’s decision and are here to help him however we can,” Venables said in a statement. “He’s a tremendous young man, and we know he will take the time he needs to work through whatever it is he’s going through. He has a bright future ahead of him, and we look forward to seeing him return to the field in an Oklahoma uniform when the time is right.”
What’s Next for Oklahoma?
With Arnold’s departure, the Sooners now face uncertainty at the quarterback position heading into the 2024 season. Backup quarterback Dylan Gabriel, who transferred to Oklahoma from UCF, will likely take over as the starter for the time being. Gabriel, who has significant starting experience, will be counted on to lead the offense while the team waits for Arnold’s return.
In the meantime, Oklahoma’s coaching staff will likely seek out additional depth at quarterback through the transfer portal or look to other young talents on the roster. While it’s unclear when Arnold will return, his promise to rejoin the team in the future provides a silver lining for Sooners fans who have been anxiously awaiting the next chapter in their program’s storied quarterback lineage.
A Promise to Return
While Arnold’s future with Oklahoma may be uncertain for now, one thing is clear: he plans to come back. “Oklahoma has been my dream school for as long as I can remember, and I know my journey here isn’t over,” Arnold said. “I’ll return, stronger and more ready than ever to lead this team to where it belongs. Thank you to all the Sooner Nation for your support during this time. I’ll see you soon, I promise.”
As the Sooners navigate this unexpected setback, one thing is certain—Jackson Arnold’s story in Norman is far from finished. And for Oklahoma fans, the hope remains that when Arnold does return, he’ll live up to the immense potential that made him one of the most highly-coveted quarterbacks in the country.
#BoomerSooner
