Norman, Oklahoma – In a move that has sent waves of excitement through the college football community, the University of Oklahoma officially announced the hiring of Ben Arbuckle as the new quarterbacks coach for the Oklahoma Sooners football team. The 2025 season will mark a new era for the Sooners’ quarterback room, with Arbuckle expected to bring his fast-paced offensive philosophy and quarterback development acumen to one of the nation’s most storied programs.
A Rising Star in Offensive Football
Ben Arbuckle, just 29 years old, has quickly emerged as one of the brightest young minds in college football. He most recently served as the offensive coordinator at Washington State, where he helped revolutionize the Cougars’ offense in just a short span. Under his guidance in the 2023 season, Washington State boasted one of the most explosive passing attacks in the Pac-12, with quarterback Cameron Ward throwing for over 3,700 yards and 28 touchdowns.
Before his stint at Washington State, Arbuckle worked under the tutelage of Zach Kittley at Western Kentucky. There, he was instrumental in helping Bailey Zappe shatter NCAA records during the 2021 season, including most passing touchdowns (62) and passing yards (5,967) in a single season. Arbuckle’s innovative play-calling and his ability to maximize quarterback potential did not go unnoticed, leading to a rapid rise through the coaching ranks.
Now, as he takes on the role of quarterbacks coach at Oklahoma, the Sooners’ program is banking on Arbuckle’s proven track record of developing elite passers and adapting offenses to modern, up-tempo schemes.
Head Coach Brent Venables’ Vision
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables made it clear in the press release that Arbuckle was not just a coaching hire – he was a cultural fit for the future of the Sooners’ football program.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ben Arbuckle to the Sooner family,” said Venables. “He’s a relentless competitor, a brilliant offensive strategist, and a leader of young men. His work speaks for itself, and we are confident that he will elevate our quarterback room to new heights. This is a critical position in our program, and Ben embodies everything we want in a coach and mentor.”
Venables, who is entering his fourth year as head coach, has emphasized the importance of surrounding the program with forward-thinking coaches who also understand the rich traditions of Oklahoma football. The hiring of Arbuckle is a strong statement that the Sooners are investing in innovation and quarterback excellence as they transition into their next chapter – especially as they prepare for their inaugural season in the SEC.
Oklahoma’s Quarterback Legacy and Expectations
The Sooners have long been known for their quarterback pedigree. From Sam Bradford and Landry Jones to Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma has consistently produced elite-level quarterbacks who thrive at both the collegiate and professional levels.
The recent quarterback development, however, has been inconsistent since Lincoln Riley’s departure to USC. Dillon Gabriel brought experience and maturity, but the Sooners have yet to establish the same quarterback dominance they once enjoyed under Riley. With Gabriel now pursuing an NFL career, the quarterback room will look to new leadership and development under Arbuckle’s guidance.
Redshirt freshman Jackson Arnold, a former five-star recruit, is expected to take the reins as the starting quarterback in 2025. Arnold showed flashes of brilliance during his limited appearances in 2024 and is widely regarded as one of the top young signal-callers in the nation. Arbuckle’s hire is seen as a direct investment in Arnold’s future and the future of the position.
What Arbuckle Brings to the Table
Arbuckle is known for his aggressive play-calling, heavy reliance on vertical passing concepts, and tempo-heavy game plans. His offenses thrive on spreading defenses thin, forcing mismatches in space, and getting the ball into the hands of playmakers quickly. But perhaps more importantly, Arbuckle has a rare gift for quarterback mentorship. He simplifies reads, customizes schemes to fit his players’ strengths, and cultivates confidence in young quarterbacks.
At Oklahoma, Arbuckle will have access to elite talent, state-of-the-art facilities, and a passionate fan base eager to see a return to offensive dominance. The Sooners averaged 34.9 points per game in 2024, but inconsistent quarterback play and turnovers in key games cost them a potential College Football Playoff berth. The administration hopes Arbuckle’s presence will stabilize the position and unleash the offense’s full potential.
The SEC Transition and Recruiting Impact
With Oklahoma moving into the SEC starting in the 2025 season, the stakes are higher than ever. Competing against the likes of Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Texas every year requires elite quarterback play and tactical flexibility on offense. Arbuckle’s hiring is strategic – it aligns with the program’s long-term goals of remaining nationally relevant and adapting to the rigors of SEC competition.
Moreover, Arbuckle’s youthful energy and proven success with quarterbacks are expected to make an immediate impact on recruiting. High school quarterbacks across the country have taken notice of his work. Already, several four-star and five-star QB prospects have expressed renewed interest in Oklahoma following the announcement.
“The QB guru,” as some recruiting analysts have dubbed him, brings name recognition among rising prep stars who are looking to play in pro-style, explosive offenses with strong NFL development pipelines.
Former Players and Analysts React
The college football world reacted swiftly and largely positively to the news of Arbuckle’s hiring. ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit tweeted, “Massive move by Oklahoma. Ben Arbuckle is a future head coach and one of the brightest offensive minds in the game.”
Former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield also weighed in on Instagram, writing, “Love this move for the program. QB development is KEY – and Arbuckle’s a stud.”
Even players from Arbuckle’s former teams voiced their support. Cameron Ward posted, “Oklahoma’s getting a real one. Coach Arbuckle changed my life. Watch what happens in Norman now.”
What’s Next for the Sooners
With spring practices around the corner and summer workouts soon to begin, Arbuckle will have little time to ease into his new role. He’ll be tasked with building rapport with Jackson Arnold and the rest of the quarterback room, installing his offensive philosophy in coordination with offensive coordinator Seth Littrell, and helping the team hit the ground running as they gear up for a grueling SEC schedule.
All eyes will be on Norman as the Sooners navigate this critical transition. The addition of Ben Arbuckle signals a bold, progressive step toward restoring Oklahoma’s offensive juggernaut identity while preparing the team to thrive on college football’s biggest stage.
Final Thoughts
The hiring of Ben Arbuckle as quarterbacks coach is more than just a coaching move – it’s a declaration of intent. The Oklahoma Sooners are determined to reassert themselves as one of college football’s elite programs, and that begins with the most important position on the field.
With a gifted young coach now at the helm of the quarterback room and a talented roster at his disposal, the future is bright in Norman. For Ben Arbuckle, this opportunity represents the next chapter in a meteoric rise through the coaching ranks. For the Oklahoma Sooners, it’s a chance to reclaim their place at the pinnacle of college football.
Only time will tell how this marriage between innovation and tradition will unfold – but for now, excitement is brewing in Sooner Nation.
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