During a 2024 season that saw just about everything go sideways for the Oklahoma Sooners, a lack of consistent quarterback play ranked pretty high on the list of disappointments.

Jackson Arnold wasn't the only reason the Sooners finished with a losing record for the second time in three years under coach Brent Venables, but it didn't help. The former No. 3 recruit in the country struggled so badly in OU's first SEC game that he was benched and didn't return to starting until almost a month later. By that time, Oklahoma's hole was fairly deep, and issues elsewhere kept the Sooners from picking up any momentum.

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The frustration led to major changes as offensive coordinator Seth Littrell was let go midseason and replaced by former Washington State coordinator Ben Arbuckle. Shortly thereafter, Arnold hit the transfer portal, and Oklahoma went to get John Mateer.

The move is considered a big step up for the Sooners after the kind of year Mateer had. If Mateer gets some help around him, the Sooners should be in great shape at quarterback.

If not, Venables may be out the door next.

Here's a look at how the quarterback position stacks up for Oklahoma heading into the fall.

The expectations for a transfer from Washington State seemingly have never been higher. Mateer was undoubtedly dominant as a starter for the Cougars last year, leading all of FBS in total touchdowns with 29 passing and 15 rushing. National prognosticators have called him the best portal pick-up in the nation. Others have written that he's a top-five quarterback in the country.

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Mateer achieved those numbers largely against Mountain West schools, though, as Wazzu found itself without a conference after everyone else in the Pac-12, save Oregon State, bolted and the conference fell apart. That isn't to say he won't put up similar numbers with the Sooners. He may even repeat them. But it's a world of difference going against Fresno State, New Mexico, and Wyoming than it is Texas, Tennessee, and Alabama.

Still, the junior is listed that highly for a reason. And if he comes close to achieving in Norman what he did last year in Pullman, quarterback won't be a problem for the Sooners in 2025.

Hawkins was thrown into the fire pretty quickly his freshman season, playing meaningful snaps against the Volunteers in Week 4 and again earning the starts against Auburn, Texas, and South Carolina in the Sooners' next three games. OU got the win in Hawkins' first career start on the road against Auburn, but failed to score a touchdown against Texas. Then the true freshman quarterback was benched after turning the ball over on each of Oklahoma's first three possessions against the Gamecocks.

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For the season, he completed 73 of 126 passes for 783 yards, but with just three touchdowns and two interceptions. He can throw it fine, though, not probably at the level of a typical SEC starter just yet. Hawkins' biggest strength are his legs. If he gets into the open field, he's dangerous, as evidenced by his game against Auburn in which he ran for 69 yards and a touchdown. He showed big-time speed to open the game with a score.

Much of the struggles Hawkins experienced were similar to Arnold's. A poor supporting cast along the offensive line and at wide receiver didn't give the true freshman a lot of help in his short stint as the Sooners' starting quarterback.

If he's forced into duty as a sophomore, he should look even better, what with a year of experience under his belt. But it's best he serves at least another year as the No. 2, continues his growth, and prepares for a future starting gig.

Newbauer, a transfer from FCS Mercer, basically takes the place of Cole Gonzales, who transferred from Western Carolina in December only to leave again in the spring. Newbauer arrived in May after starting the last seven games of his freshman year for the Bears. He wasn't bad there at all, throwing 12 touchdowns against four interceptions. He shouldn't get much time at Oklahoma his first season in the SEC unless things go completely sideways, but potential exists.

OU doesn't lack on-field experience as Frakes is the fourth player to have started at quarterback in college. The Norman native began his career at New Mexico State in 2022, where he threw four touchdowns and seven interceptions. From there, he transferred to Virginia, but didn't play for the Cavaliers, before returning to his hometown. Most likely, Frakes helps the scout team throughout the year.

Niu is most likely going to sit and watch his first year on campus. Rightfully so. A three-star recruit out of the state of Utah, scouts consider him a pocket passer who functions mostly as a game-manager type. Oklahoma's strength-and-conditioning program should help him develop during the season, and he could enter 2026 with a chance to fight for the No. 2 job if everything goes well. For now, he's unlikely to see the field.

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Note: Players are listed in what we believe is likely order of playing time in 2025, not necessarily ability in future years

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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma Sooners quarterback depth chart breakdown