Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. has officially entered the transfer portal, a move that will alter the quarterback competition heading into the 2025 season. The 6-foot-2 sophomore, who committed to the Sooners in 2023, made his decision known in a statement shared by his representatives.
Hawkins’ departure marks the end of his brief tenure at Oklahoma, where he was part of a highly competitive quarterback room. Despite a promising start and potential as a dual-threat quarterback, Hawkins did not see significant playing time during his freshman year in 2024, as the Sooners’ offense was led by starter Dillon Gabriel.
The news of Hawkins’ decision to transfer comes as no surprise to many, with reports throughout the year suggesting that Hawkins, like many players, was seeking increased playing time and an opportunity to further develop his skills in a new environment. It also follows a period of uncertainty surrounding OU’s quarterback depth chart for the upcoming season.
Hawkins, who played for Allen High School in Texas before coming to Oklahoma, was widely regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects in his class, with his athleticism and ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the run making him a highly sought-after recruit. Despite his raw talent, the competition at quarterback in Norman, with Gabriel leading the offense and a highly-rated recruiting class coming in, made it difficult for Hawkins to secure a starting role.
In his statement, Hawkins thanked the Sooners coaching staff, his teammates, and the OU fanbase for their support during his time at the program. “I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a prestigious program and for the guidance I received from Coach Venables and Coach Lebby,” Hawkins said. “I’ve decided that it’s time for me to look for a new opportunity where I can compete for the chance to start and further develop my game.”
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables expressed his support for Hawkins’ decision, acknowledging the quarterback’s growth during his time at OU. “We appreciate Michael’s contributions to the team and wish him nothing but the best moving forward. We understand the difficult decision he faced and respect his desire to find a program where he can play more immediately.”
The Sooners now face another round of changes at the quarterback position as they head into the 2025 season. With Gabriel’s status uncertain beyond 2024 and the potential for new talent to enter the fold, including highly-touted recruits, OU’s quarterback battle is expected to be one of the most closely watched competitions in the upcoming offseason.
Hawkins, who has shown significant promise during his high school career, will now be able to explore options with programs looking to bolster their quarterback depth. His decision to enter the transfer portal opens the door to a new chapter in his college football journey.
As the Sooners continue to build toward the 2025 season, all eyes will be on how this quarterback change impacts the team’s offensive strategy and whether it leads to further roster shifts. The transfer portal remains a key part of college football’s landscape, and with Hawkins’ exit, the Sooners’ next steps will be crucial as they prepare for the future.