As the final days of the 2024 recruiting cycle unfold amidst transfer portal activities and coaching changes, the Oklahoma Sooners are actively preparing for the Alamo Bowl against No. 14 Arizona on December 28. Despite the ongoing developments, including safety Billy Bowman and linebacker Danny Stutsman announcing their return for the next year, the focus has shifted to quarterback Jackson Arnold, who is set to make his debut against Arizona as a true freshman.
During the open practice session, several noteworthy observations were made. True freshman offensive lineman Cayden Green was conspicuously absent, later revealing his intention to enter the transfer portal after starting five games at left guard this season. Expectedly, quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who has committed to Oregon for the next year, was not preparing for the upcoming bowl game. Instead, Jackson Arnold took the lead among Oklahoma’s quarterbacks.
Both newly elevated co-offensive coordinators, Seth Littrell and Joe Jon Finley, engaged with Arnold during the stretching period. Littrell, anticipating the start of practice, and Finley, conversing with Arnold during warm-ups, demonstrated their involvement with the team’s quarterbacks. The duo continued to monitor the quarterbacks and receivers during the individual practice drills.
Notably, Tawee Walker, despite entering the transfer portal, participated in practice with the running backs. However, Marcus Major was not spotted during the session. The returning players, Stutsman and Bowman, were actively involved, assuming central roles during team stretches alongside Ethan Downs and Drake Stoops. On the defensive side, Justin Harrington, with a brace on his left leg, was present at practice. Harrington, who experienced an injury ending his season during the non-conference slate, remains eligible to apply for a hardship waiver.
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