While most backup quarterbacks would’ve bolted for the transfer portal after losing the starting job to a transfer, Michael Hawkins Jr. stayed put at Oklahoma.
Now, with John Mateer sidelined by hand surgery, that patience is paying off as Hawkins takes over for the No. 5 Sooners.
Did Michael Hawkins Jr. Consider Transferring Before John Mateer’s Injury?
In an interview posted on OU Insider’s YouTube channel on September 29, Hawkins confirmed he never wavered on staying at Oklahoma despite being named the backup to transfer quarterback John Mateer.
When asked if he second-guessed his decision before Mateer’s injury, Hawkins was direct about his commitment.
“Yes, sir. I’ve been very pleased with my decision to stay. Just being able to, like I said, have those support staff and Coach Arbuckle. He’s a great coach and I knew what I was getting into, so I’m very pleased with my appearance here.”
The Dallas sophomore knew his answer quickly once Oklahoma hired offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle from Washington State. Arbuckle brought Mateer with him from Wazzu, but Hawkins focused on the coaching upgrade rather than the depth chart implications.
“Yeah, I knew I was going to stay. I obviously knew I had to think about who was going to come here, but as soon as I saw [that] Coach Arbuckle was coming here and Coach Cruz and his staff, I liked my decision to stay.”
His confidence comes from a completely different situation than his freshman year. Oklahoma entered 2025 with better offensive weapons and a more established system under Arbuckle, giving Hawkins the support he lacked when thrust into action as a true freshman.
What Has Changed for Michael Hawkins Jr. in His Sophomore Season?
Hawkins has barely played in 2025, completing one of three passes for five yards through four games. His most meaningful action came as a freshman in 2024 when he started at Auburn, throwing for 161 yards and rushing for 69 yards with a 48-yard touchdown run in a road win.
That freshman performance showed his potential as a dual-threat quarterback. Now he gets another chance to prove himself with Mateer out after hand surgery. The difference this time is experience and a much better supporting cast around him.
RELATED: Michael Hawkins Jr. Steps In for John Mateer, Data Signals Oklahoma Offense Might Not Miss a Beat
Teammates have watched him grow over the past year. Defensive back Reggie Powers III said the game is slowing down for Hawkins. Offensive lineman Febechi Nwaiwu talked about his improved confidence. Head coach Brent Venables has also praised his development over recent months.
The situation around Hawkins has improved, too. Tight end Jaren Kanak has shown big-play ability in the passing game. Receivers Isaiah Sategna and Deion Burks give him reliable targets. Running back Tory Blaylock can take pressure off the passing game.
With Mateer potentially out three to five weeks following surgery on September 22, Hawkins gets a real chance to prove himself. Oklahoma is 4-0 and ranked fifth in the latest AP poll. The Kent State game on October 4 starts a stretch that will test whether he’s ready for this moment.
