Jackson Arnold Transfer Portal: Exploring 3 Potential Landing Spots for Sooners QB with rumored exit from Oklahoma
Quarterback Jackson Arnold is potentially leaving the Oklahoma Sooners after two seasons with the team. He led the Sooners to five victories as the starting quarterback this season. On3's Pete Nakos reported Monday afternoon the sophomore has entered the transfer portal.
The report comes as Oklahoma (6-6, 2-6 SEC) is set to face the Navy Midshipmen (8-3, 6-2 AAC) in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl on Dec. 27. The second-year quarterback has yet to make a statement to address whether he is leaving the Sooners or planning to be available for the bowl game.
Nakos predicts Arnold will leave Oklahoma and join the Mississippi State Bulldogs (2-10, 0-8 SEC). It's worth noting Mississippi State currently has quarterback Michael Van Buren, who is expected to return for his sophomore season.
Arnold ended the regular season with Oklahoma with 1,421 yards and 12 touchdowns. He's also shown he can be a threat on the run, achieving 444 yards and three touchdowns. His decision to potentially leave Oklahoma could make him a valuable asset to a new team.
Here are three possible landing spots for Arnold.
Jackson Arnold transfer portal: Top 3 landing spots for the Oklahoma QB
3. Arkansas
The Arkansas Razorbacks (6-5, 3-3 SEC) were able to rebound this season after winning four games last year. One of the key factors was their new quarterback, Taylen Green, who transferred from Boise State in 2023. Green completed 219 passes for 2,813 yards and 13 touchdowns. Arkansas may not have wanted to look for another quarterback to replace him, but it would be tempting if Arnold becomes available.
The Oklahoma player may be able to have similar success with the Razorbacks. He committed fewer turnovers this season than Green this season, and Arkansas could decide to have both players compete for the starting role. Green's leadership this season may give him the edge to keep his spot should Arnold come into the mix.
2. Mississippi State
Mississippi State was among the worst teams in the country this year. In addition to a poor record, the team ended the season on a three-game losing streak. In Week 14, the Bulldogs suffered their final defeat in a 26-14 loss to the No. 14 Ole Miss Rebels (9-3, 5-3 SEC) on Nov. 29. The team's roster may need a shake-up to avoid another disappointing year.
Arnold could be what the team needs to regroup in 2025. He may have tough competition for the starting role over Van Buren, who could play better in his sophomore year. Van Buren ended the season with 1,886 yards and 11 touchdowns. He had issues committing turnovers, which the Bulldogs could consider if they try to get the Oklahoma quarterback.
1. USC Trojans
The USC Trojans (6-6, 4-5 SEC) are another team that could be looking for a quarterback next season. On Dec. 2, USC starting quarterback Miller Moss posted on X/Twitter he was entering the transfer portal after four seasons with the team.
The team has quarterback Jayden Maiava, who is expected to return for his junior year. Maiava started three games this season with two wins, including a 28-20 victory against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in Week 12 on Nov. 16. He ended the regular season with 906 yards and seven touchdowns.
Despite Maiava's accomplishments, Arnold could make a strong case for starting over him if he transfers to USC.