The Oklahoma Sooners football team is experiencing a significant shift in their quarterback lineup as Cole Gonzales, who initially joined the team via the transfer portal, has decided to re-enter the portal. This unexpected move means that Gonzales will not serve as the backup to the Sooners' starting quarterback, John Mateer, for the upcoming season. Instead, sophomore Michael Hawkins Jr. will step up as the top reserve quarterback.

Gonzales, a two-time finalist for the prestigious Walter Payton Awardan honor comparable to the Heisman Trophy for players in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS)originally committed to Oklahoma just before Christmas. His background as a former FCS standout made him a highly sought-after recruit during his previous stint in the transfer portal. Last season, Gonzales demonstrated remarkable potential, leading all of NCAA football, including teams from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), in passing yards during the first eight games. However, an unfortunate injury sidelined him for the final four games of the regular season, hindering his chances to solidify a starting position.

During the spring camp, expectations were high as Gonzales competed for the starting job against John Mateer, who transferred from Washington State. Ultimately, Mateer emerged as the frontrunner, showcasing impressive stats from his previous season, where he threw for nearly 3,200 yards, achieving 29 touchdowns with only seven interceptions. Additionally, he demonstrated his dual-threat capability by rushing for 826 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns. This performance solidified his position as Oklahoma's starting quarterback, while Gonzales was unable to clinch the role during spring practices.

Michael Hawkins Jr., who will now assume the backup role, gained valuable experience last season. He participated in seven games as the primary backup to Jackson Arnold, who transferred to Auburn at the end of December. Hawkins had his standout moment during the Armed Forces Bowl against Navy, where he completed 28 of 43 passes for 247 yards and threw for two touchdowns. Furthermore, he made significant contributions in the Sooners victory over Auburn, showcasing his ability to lead the team in crucial moments.

With Gonzales' departure, the current quarterback depth chart for the Oklahoma Sooners stands as follows:

  • Starter: John Mateer
  • Backup: Michael Hawkins Jr.
  • QB3: Jett Niu

This transition signals a new phase for the Sooners as they prepare for the upcoming season. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly watching how these changes will impact the team's performance and dynamics on the field.

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