Oklahoma
Oklahoma changing QBs to Michael Hawkins Jr., coach Brent Venables announces
Following a 25-15 loss at home to Tennessee, Oklahoma is making a quarterback change.
Head coach Brett Venables announced on Monday that freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. will start for the Sooners’ first SEC road game at Auburn. Hawkins gets the nod over sophomore Jackson Arnold, a five-star recruit.
Arnold passed for 54 yards and one interception, completing 7-of-16 passes against Tennessee. He committed three turnovers, losing two fumbles, versus the Volunteers. Oklahoma benched Arnold just before halftime with Hawkins taking over on the Sooners’ final series of the first half.
Venables decided to make the change because of the turnovers, according to ESPN’s Holly Rowe (via On3).
“He said it was the turnovers but also stuff has to run on time in our offense. We have timing plays, things that have to happen and it just wasn’t on time. He also said the turnover margin is a big factor. They’re up one for Tennessee. That’s unusual for OU.”
Hawkins threw for 132 yards and one touchdown on 11-for-18 passing. He also rushed for 22 yards on 11 carries. Following the game, Venables said there would be a quarterback battle during the week leading up to Saturday. But his comments seemed to indicate that he was leaning toward Hawkins.
“He’s a tremendous athlete,” Venables said of Hawkins, via The Oklahoman’s Colton Sulley. “There were several times there where we had edge pressure that we didn’t block and he got outside of it. So he has some playmaking ability, and he can hurt you with his legs.”
After presumably reviewing the film, Oklahoma coaches apparently decided to make the change now and give Hawkins a full week of reps with the first-team offense.
In Oklahoma’s first four games, Arnold completed 60% (61-of-102) of his passes for 538 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions.
Falling to No. 21 in this week’s AP Poll, Oklahoma (3–1) faces Auburn (2–2) at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. ET and the game will be televised on ABC.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Sooners add transfer portal offensive lineman to the roster
The Oklahoma Sooners made an under-the-radar transfer portal addition on Wednesday, bringing back a player who spent two seasons in Norman before transferring out last year.
Former Central Oklahoma offensive lineman Kenneth Wermy will be returning to play for OU out of the portal. Wermy played for the Sooners in 2023 and 2024 before spending 2025 at the NCAA Division II level with the Bronchos. He’ll add depth to an offensive line group that is in need of it after recent portal departures.
Wemry is a local product from Cache, Oklahoma, and he stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs 315 pounds. The Sooners have been busy adding big names in the transfer market, but with a week and a half left until the portal closes, the focus may soon turn to retention and building back depth on the roster.
Oklahoma had a busy portal day on Wednesday, adding Wermy and former Michigan linebacker Cole Sullivan. However, Oklahoma also lost three players to the portal, in linebacker Sammy Omosigho, defensive back Jaydan Hardy, and wide receiver Zion Ragins.
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Oklahoma
Oklahoma bill aims to ban obscene materials in public school libraries
A local lawmaker is introducing a bill to prohibit obscene materials in Oklahoma public school libraries.
Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, filed legislation this week, House Bill 2978, that would update state law and prohibit the acquisition of materials that meet Oklahoma’s legal definition of obscenity.
The bill removes references to subjective community standards and relies on established statute, according to Banning.
“This legislation provides a straightforward statewide rule that helps ensure school libraries stay within the definition of education,” Banning said. “According to Black’s Law Dictionary, education is defined as providing proper moral, intellectual and physical instruction.”
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Oklahoma
How to watch Oklahoma Sooners: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | Jan. 7
The Mississippi State Bulldogs (9-5, 1-0 SEC) will host Xzayvier Brown and the Oklahoma Sooners (11-3, 1-0 SEC) at Humphrey Coliseum on Wednesday, Jan. 7. The game tips at 7 p.m. ET.
In the article below, we’ll give you all the info you need to watch this matchup on TV.
As college hoops matchups continue, prepare for the contest with everything you need to know about Wednesday’s game.
Mississippi State vs. Oklahoma: How to watch on TV or live stream
- Game day: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
- Game time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Starkville, Mississippi
- Arena: Humphrey Coliseum
- TV Channel: SEC Network
- Live stream: Fubo – Watch NOW (Regional restrictions may apply)
Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
Watch college basketball on Fubo!
Oklahoma vs. Mississippi State stats and trends
- On offense, Oklahoma is averaging 87.3 points per game (29th-ranked in college basketball). It is surrendering 72.2 points per contest at the other end (153rd-ranked).
- The Sooners are averaging 34.8 boards per game (99th-ranked in college basketball) this year, while allowing 29.1 rebounds per contest (85th-ranked).
- Oklahoma is delivering 16.7 assists per game, which ranks them 67th in college basketball in 2025-26.
- The Sooners are forcing 11.1 turnovers per game this year (240th-ranked in college basketball), but they’ve averaged only 8.9 turnovers per game (eighth-best).
- Oklahoma is draining 10.5 threes per game (28th-ranked in college basketball). It has a 35.6% shooting percentage (94th-ranked) from three-point land.
- The Sooners rank 283rd in college basketball with 8.6 treys allowed per game this year. Meanwhile, they rank 317th with a 36.1% shooting percentage allowed from three-point land.
- In terms of shot breakdown, Oklahoma has taken 53.1% two-pointers (accounting for 65.7% of the team’s baskets) and 46.9% three-pointers (34.3%).
Oklahoma vs. Mississippi State Odds and Spread
- Spread Favorite: Sooners (-1.5)
- Moneyline: Oklahoma (-116), Mississippi State (-104)
- Total: 159.5 points
NCAA Basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Wednesday at 3:47 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
Watch college basketball on Fubo!
Follow the latest college sports coverage at College Sports Wire.
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