(ESPN CONFIRMED) BREAKING: Oklahoma QB Jackson Arnold Named Prestigious Davey O’Brien Award Winner, Beating Out Gabriel, Sanders, and Ward
In an announcement that sent shockwaves through the college football world, Oklahoma Sooners’ quarterback Jackson Arnold has been named the recipient of the 2024 Davey O’Brien Award, solidifying his place among the elite quarterbacks in college football. The award, which recognizes the nation’s top quarterback, has long been a symbol of excellence at the position, and Arnold’s victory over other notable candidates such as Dillon Gabriel (Oklahoma), Jalon Sanders (USC), and Cameron Ward (Washington State) is a testament to his outstanding performance throughout the season.
This year’s award ceremony, held virtually on December 7th, 2024, was a culmination of a remarkable campaign for Arnold, who took over the starting job at Oklahoma with high expectations and delivered an impressive, near-flawless season. His exceptional play under pressure, combined with remarkable consistency and leadership, made him the clear favorite among a talented pool of finalists.
The Davey O’Brien Award: A Prestigious Legacy
The Davey O’Brien Award, named after the legendary quarterback who led TCU to a national title in 1938, has been presented annually to the best quarterback in college football since 1981. It is one of the most prestigious awards in the sport, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Heisman Trophy as a benchmark of quarterback excellence. Over the years, it has been awarded to some of the most iconic names in college football history, including Patrick Mahomes, Baker Mayfield, Deshaun Watson, and Kyler Murray.
Winning the O’Brien Award is a significant milestone in any quarterback’s career, often signaling a successful transition to professional football or cementing a legendary status in college football history. For Arnold, this victory places him in the conversation with the game’s greats and further establishes him as one of the brightest young stars in the nation.
The Finalists: A Year of Exceptional Talent
Before delving into Arnold’s performance, it’s important to recognize the other finalists who vied for the prestigious honor. Each of these players had exceptional seasons, and their inclusion as finalists underscores the wealth of talent at the quarterback position in college football this year.
- Dillon Gabriel (Oklahoma) Gabriel, a senior who has had a transformative career at Oklahoma, was widely considered one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the nation. Known for his dual-threat ability, Gabriel brought both leadership and playmaking ability to the Sooners’ offense. He finished the regular season with over 4,000 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and a high completion percentage. Gabriel was crucial to Oklahoma’s explosive offense, leading the team to a Big 12 Championship game appearance. Despite his high statistics, Gabriel’s play was often overshadowed by his younger counterpart, Arnold, who had a more consistent season and showed higher upside.
- Jalon Sanders (USC) Sanders, a junior from USC, had a standout season under the bright lights of the Pac-12. He was one of the most exciting quarterbacks to watch, blending athleticism with precision passing. His mobility allowed him to extend plays and create opportunities both in the pocket and on the move. Sanders finished with a gaudy stat line, including over 3,800 passing yards and 32 touchdowns, while also adding more than 500 rushing yards and 7 rushing touchdowns. His performance kept USC in the hunt for a playoff berth, though the Trojans ultimately fell short of their goal. Sanders’ dazzling skills and natural playmaking ability earned him a well-deserved spot among the finalists.
- Cameron Ward (Washington State) Ward, the dynamic quarterback from Washington State, put up stellar numbers during the season, showcasing his ability to lead his team despite a less high-profile program. He finished the year with over 4,200 passing yards and 38 touchdowns, which helped elevate Washington State into the national rankings. Ward’s impressive consistency and ability to perform in clutch moments placed him among the top quarterbacks of 2024, although the Cougars’ inability to make a serious playoff run likely hurt his chances for the award.
- Jackson Arnold (Oklahoma) Arnold, a true freshman, burst onto the college football scene with remarkable poise, confidence, and skill. He was widely regarded as one of the top quarterback recruits in the country, and his performance in 2024 lived up to the hype. Arnold took over the starting role for Oklahoma and was immediately thrust into the spotlight. Despite being one of the youngest players in the race, Arnold’s performance was nothing short of exceptional, and his play was a driving force in the Sooners’ success this season.
Jackson Arnold’s Journey to the 2024 Davey O’Brien Award
From the moment Arnold stepped onto the field for the Sooners, there was a sense of anticipation surrounding his every move. The Oklahoma coaching staff had already built an offense around his strengths—his incredible arm strength, his ability to read defenses, and his poise under pressure. However, even with all the tools in place, Arnold’s development into the best quarterback in college football was nothing short of remarkable.
Preseason Expectations
Coming out of high school, Arnold was considered one of the top quarterback recruits in the 2024 class. A five-star prospect from Guthrie, Oklahoma, Arnold had the advantage of growing up watching Oklahoma’s storied program. His decision to play for the Sooners added to the excitement surrounding his future. He was known for his quick release, deep-ball accuracy, and the ability to process information at a high rate, traits that are essential for a modern-day quarterback.
Despite being a freshman, Arnold was named the starter early in the season, replacing Dillon Gabriel, who had been a fixture at Oklahoma for several years. This early move was a bold decision by head coach Brent Venables, but one that paid off in spades. Arnold not only met but exceeded expectations as he navigated a demanding schedule in the Big 12 and led Oklahoma to an impressive regular season record.
Statistical Excellence
Arnold’s numbers this season were awe-inspiring. He finished with a passer rating of 178.6, completing 68% of his passes for 4,100 yards and 42 touchdowns against just 5 interceptions. His ability to balance his decision-making with deep passing accuracy set him apart from other quarterbacks in the race. Moreover, Arnold’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations proved crucial for Oklahoma, particularly in their critical conference games.
One of Arnold’s most impressive qualities was his ability to bounce back after mistakes. In his first start of the season, he threw two interceptions against a tough opponent but responded by throwing for 300 yards and 4 touchdowns in the second half, securing the win. This resilience became a hallmark of his play, and it impressed both fans and coaches alike. Arnold’s adaptability allowed him to overcome the natural ups and downs that come with being a freshman starter.
Arnold was also exceptional in big games. Against rival Texas, he threw for 375 yards and 4 touchdowns, leading Oklahoma to a decisive win that kept their playoff hopes alive. His ability to perform in the biggest moments, particularly in high-pressure matchups, endeared him to voters and solidified his candidacy for the Davey O’Brien Award.
Oklahoma’s Success and Arnold’s Leadership
Under Arnold’s leadership, Oklahoma finished the season with an 11-2 record, including a Big 12 Championship game appearance. While the team ultimately fell short of a playoff berth, their success in the regular season was in large part due to Arnold’s play. The Sooners’ offense, which had been high-powered under Gabriel, took on a new dynamic with Arnold at the helm. His ability to extend plays, his command of the offense, and his leadership both on and off the field were the driving forces behind Oklahoma’s success.
Arnold’s relationship with his coaches and teammates was another key factor in his rise to the top. Head coach Brent Venables praised Arnold for his maturity, saying, “He’s not just a talented quarterback—he’s a leader. His ability to command the offense and maintain a calm demeanor in the most chaotic moments is rare, especially for a freshman.”
The Sooners’ offensive coordinator also highlighted Arnold’s football IQ. “He processes information faster than most quarterbacks, and that’s a huge reason why he’s been able to perform at such a high level. He has an innate understanding of the game, and it shows every time he steps onto the field.”
Legacy and Impact
Arnold’s success this season is a testament to both his natural ability and his commitment to refining his craft. As a freshman, winning the Davey O’Brien Award is an incredible accomplishment and positions him as a future star in the sport. His performance has redefined the expectations for young quarterbacks, proving that age is no barrier to success at the highest levels of college football.
Looking ahead, Arnold’s future is incredibly bright. Many believe he has the potential to lead Oklahoma to a national title, and there’s little doubt that he will be a fixture in college football for years to come. The question now is whether Arnold can continue to build on his freshman year, refine his skills, and eventually contend for even more prestigious awards, including the Heisman Trophy.
Conclusion
In a year filled with exceptional talent at the quarterback position, Jackson Arnold’s remarkable performance during the 2024 season has earned him the well-deserved honor of being named the Davey O’Brien Award winner. His incredible poise, arm strength, decision-making, and leadership helped propel Oklahoma to new heights, making him a standout among his peers.
As Arnold accepts the Davey O’Brien Award, he enters the history books alongside some of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. With his first season as a starter now behind him, the future of Jackson Arnold—and Oklahoma football—has never looked brighter. As the 2024 college football season comes to a close, Arnold’s victory serves as a reminder that sometimes, the brightest stars shine the earliest.
