The Oklahoma football program will begin its journey into the hyper-competitive SEC next fall. The Sooners and their arch-rival, the Texas Longhorns, are leaving the Big 12, yet Vegas believes the two juggernauts will have little issue making the transition. Per Brett McMurphy of The Action Network, OU quarterback Jackson Arnold has the seventh-best odds of winning the Heisman Trophy Award.
Heisman odds via @FDSportsbook:
Carson Beck 7½-1
Quinn Ewers 7½-1
Dillon Gabriel 10-1
Will Howard 12-1
Jalen Milroe 12-1
Nico lamaleava 15-1
Jackson Arnold 18-1
Jaxson Dart 18-1
Garrett Nussmeier 18-1
Noah Fifita 20-1
Riley Leonard 20-1
Cam Ward 20-1
Conner Weigman 20-1— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) January 22, 2024
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers sits tied for first with Georgia Bulldogs gunslinger Carson Beck. Both signal-callers dominated last season and will return for another year.
Oklahoma Football QB Jackson Arnold: Primed For Breakout Season
The Sooners will replace two-year starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel with former five-star prospect Jackson Arnold. The youngster played behind Gabriel this season, going 44 of 69 for 563 yards and four touchdowns with three picks. He also ran 31 times for 116 yards and a score. Jackson earned the start in the team’s Alamo Bowl clash with the Arizona Wildcats, with Gabriel in the transfer portal. The Texas native threw two touchdowns but was sacked three times while tossing three interceptions.
According to 247Sports, Arnold ranked as the fourth-best quarterback in the class of 2023. Only Arch Manning, Nico Iamaleava, and Dante Moore ranked higher via the recruiting site.
The Sooners will also have star freshman wide receiver Nic Anderson at his disposal next season. Anderson caught ten touchdown passes en route for All-Fresman honors. Meanwhile, Jalil Farooq will also return. He caught 45 passes for 694 yards and two touchdowns.
Other Heisman Trophy Award Candidates
Outside of Quinn Ewers, Carson Beck, and Jackson Arnold, Dillon Gabriel and Jalen Milroe are the most recognizable names among those with the best odds of winning the Heisman Trophy Award in 2024. Gabriel threw 30 touchdowns against six picks for Oklahoma this season before heading to Oregon to take over for Bo Nix. Meanwhile, Milroe led the Alabama Crimson Tide to the Rose Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines. He will again lead Alabama next year but without legendary head coach Nick Saban by his side.
Will Howard and Jaxson Dart are also on the list of Heisman hopefuls. Howard transferred to Ohio State and will take over for the departing Kyle McCord, while Dart will again operate within Lane Kiffin’s high-powered offense at Ole Miss.
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