Oklahoma Sooners quarterback plans to enter the transfer portal
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Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Michael Hawkins, Jr. is planning to enter the transfer portal when it opens on January 2, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Hawkins will have three years of eligibility remaining after Oklahoma preserved his redshirt in 2025.
A former four-star prospect in the 247Sports composite rankings, Hawkins chose the Sooners over offers from TCU and Arkansas and committed to former offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby in the spring of 2023.
As a true freshman in 2024, Hawkins was inserted into the lineup against the Tennessee Volunteers and flashed his playmaking ability when he led the Sooners on their only touchdown drives of the night in the loss. He was subsequently named the starting quarterback over Jackson Arnold and led Oklahoma to a pivotal road win over Auburn. He started the Texas game, but Oklahoma’s offense couldn’t find much success. His final start of the regular season came against South Carolina when pass protection and an errant throw led to turnovers on Oklahoma’s first three drives and a 21-0 deficit in the first five minutes.
He was pulled from the game for Arnold, but Hawkins got the start in the All-American Bowl against Navy after Arnold departed in the transfer portal and threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another 61 yards.
Hawkins made just two appearances in 2025. He saw reserve snaps in the win over Temple and started for the Sooners against Kent State with John Mateer rehabbing his thumb injury. This season, Hawkins completed 55.6% of his passes for 167 yards and three touchdowns.
With elite speed and a big-time arm, Hawkins will have options across the country.
His departure could be an indication that Mateer will be back for the Sooners in 2026. Oklahoma will still have Jett Niu, 2026 signee Bowe Bentley, and Whitt Newbauer on the roster at quarterback.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Michael Hawkins Jr. intends to enter the transfer portal per reports
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