Oklahoma
Three Questions on Oklahoma Training Camp: Quarterbacks
Oklahoma opens preseason training camp this week, and the Sooners have some questions to get answered during the month of August.
In this series, Sooners on SI will attempt to provide some answers ahead of camp.
Last in the series is a look inside Oklahoma’s quarterbacks room.
Coach Brent Venables confidently stated during spring practice that Oklahoma’s quarterback room is in better shape in 2024 than it was in his previous two years.
From a depth standpoint, that seems irrefutable.
From an experience standpoint — not so much.
Aside from starter Jackson Arnold’s one career start last year in the Alamo Bowl, only sixth-year senior Casey Thompson has game experience.
“There was a lot of unknown after Jackson,” Venables said.
Thompson started 23 games and played in 35 at Texas, Nebraska and Florida Atlantic. Now he’s wrapping up his compelling college football career at his dream school, his dad’s school, but even that comes with a significant hitch: Thompson is coming off major knee surgery from an injury last fall.
Michael Hawkins seemed to win the backup job in spring as Thompson rehabbed his knee, but Hawkins — ultra-talented as he may be — is a true freshman. So is Brendan Zurbrugg.
“I feel like we have more guys there than what we had a year ago,” Venables said.
That’s not under dispute. Four scholarship QBs is better than three. And with Gabriel settling in at Oregon, Davis Beville off to South Carolina, walk-on General Booty now at Louisiana Monroe and walk-on Jacob Switzer having moved on, new offensive coordinator Seth Littrell watched four of his five quarterbacks transfer out of Norman.
“That’s the depth at the position more than we had a year ago,” Venables said.
But Venables thinks the upgrade this year goes beyond just numbers.
He’s talked about leadership, of course, and how that’s continuing to grow and evolve. But he’s also described OU’s improved athletic ability and natural talent and big, explosive passing arms at the position.
OU has loads of the latter.
“We feel good about it,” Venables said.
Arnold has said he wasn’t fully ready for the spotlight of being the Oklahoma starting quarterback when he took the field last December against Arizona.
He said the Wildcats’ defense tricked him and surprised him in the Alamo Bowl, that he misread some things and threw some passes that he shouldn’t have.
It was a roller-coaster ending to his true freshman season.
But this is Oklahoma. Expectations are galactically high. Just Monday, Arnold was on the preseason watch list for the Maxwell Award as college football’s top overall player.
Josh Heupel won a national title here. Jason White won a Heisman. So did Sam Bradford, while setting NCAA records. Landry Jones shattered OU’s career passing marks. Baker Mayfield won three straight Big 12 titles and played in two playoff games while also winning a Heisman. Kyler Murray also won a Heisman and helped redefine the position. Jalen Hurts was a Heisman runner-up and elevated the position with his leadership.
“Jackson understands better than anybody what goes into being a quarterback of a football team of the locker room: the leader, the face, the responsibilities, the challenges,” Venables said.
One full calendar year studying the game under Gabriel — and former offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby — should have given Arnold a firm foundation as he takes the reins.
But he’ll need to raise his game in 2024. None of those other OU legends played against an SEC schedule like Arnold will in his first full college season as a starting quarterback.
Arnold also needs to just be himself. He doesn’t need to complete 75 percent of his passes or rush for 1,000 yards. He received the Gatorade National Player of the Year as a senior at Denton Guyer High School for a reason: he’s a really good football player.
Stats will come (even against the SEC). Awards may follow. But if Arnold can avoid catastrophic turnovers and lead the OU offense to points, the Sooners will win games — and that’s all the fan base wants, although they sure like those giant statues on the east side of Memorial Stadium, too.
“There’s a lot of pressure that comes with this position for sure,” Arnold said. “Again, at the end of the day, I just gotta go out and perform to the best of my abilities and hope I live up to that lineage.”
Although Thompson probably disagrees, it’s close to even money that Hawkins will get the first backup reps on Aug. 30 when the Sooners take on Temple.
Hawkins earned that opportunity last spring. A highly dynamic dual-threat QB from Frisco (TX) Emerson via Allen, TX, the 6-foot-1, 204-pound Hawkins was the quarterback MVP at the 2023 Dallas Rivals Camp, won the Accuracy Challenge Award at the 2023 Dallas Under Armour Next Camp, and was an Elite 11 Finalist.
At Emerson — an almost brand new school still accumulating talent — he led his squad to the Texas 5A semifinals with 4,211 yards total offense and 55 touchdowns with only three interceptions in 15 games. He was district MVP as a senior and was first-team all-district as a junior.
Hawkins excited his coaches and teammates with his steady, spectacular performance in spring practice — all while Thompson was made to sit out while rehabbing his knee.
However, Thompson was fully cleared earlier this summer. He has no restrictions, Venables said. He’ll probably still need a little extra time to get into game shape — he’ll be 26 in October — so expect him to be the emergency QB in September.
But when SEC play arrives, don’t be surprised to see Thompson on the field as Arnold’s primary backup. He’s played in and won numerous big games in his career, has accumulated 5,338 yards and 52 TD passes, and it seems likely that Venables will lean on that kind of experience as the schedule gets tougher.
Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate Independence Day in Oklahoma this year? From massive fireworks displays over Grand Lake to food truck festivals and live music across the OKC metro, communities are pulling out all the stops to celebrate the Declaration of Independence. Grab your lawn chairs, round up the family, and get ready for an unforgettable week of summer fun. Here is your ultimate guide to the best Fourth of July events happening right in your backyard!
Key takeaways
- The bigger picture: Oklahoma communities are going all out for Independence Day in 2026, with celebrations spanning from Norman’s four-day Fourth Fest to major fireworks displays in Edmond, Tulsa, and on Grand Lake — giving families across the state plenty of options close to home.
- More details: Highlights include Liberty Fest in Edmond, one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area, the Duck Creek Fireworks on Grand Lake featuring a War Bird flyover tribute synchronized to patriotic music, and Tribute to Liberty in Midwest City, which combines live music, a laser show, and fireworks in honor of the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary.
- Why this matters: This year’s celebrations carry extra weight as part of America’s semiquincentennial, with several events — including Tribute to Liberty and the Duck Creek Fireworks — built around honoring both the nation’s founding and the service members who’ve defended it.
- Date: 9:45 p.m. July 1-4
- Location: Reaves Park; 2501 S Jenkins Ave., Norman
This year’s Fourth Fest is bigger than ever before, spanning four days. The city has added additional programming across multiple parks. Before the fireworks, enjoy a wide range of attractions including bouncy houses, local vendors, food trucks, pony rides, and a petting zoo. The fireworks show begins at 9:45 p.m. on July 4.
- Date: 8:30 p.m. July 3
- Location: Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., Oklahoma City
OKCPHIL’s Red, White, and Boom concert is a high-energy celebration that brings the community together for an unforgettable summer evening of music. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic performs a vibrant program of American classics, fan favorites, and patriotic anthems.
- Date: 6-10 p.m. July 3
- Location: Boomer Lake Park; 2310 E Lakeview Road, Stillwater
This Independence Day celebration will include area vendors, food trucks, hometown hospitality, and a fireworks show. Free parking will be available at Stillwater High School’s Pioneer Stadium.
- Date: July 3-4
- Location: Yukon City Park & Chisholm Trail Park, 2200 S Holly Ave., Yukon
Bring the whole family to Freedom Fest in Yukon! Experience a lineup of live outdoor concerts, peruse the food trucks on site, and enjoy the activities for kids.
- Date: 2-10 p.m. July 4
- Location: Buck Thomas Park, 1903 NE 12th St., Moore
Enjoy one of the largest fireworks shows in the state with food trucks, vendors, and activities throughout the day. Admission is free. Fireworks will begin around 9:45 p.m.
- Date: 7-10 p.m. July 4
- Location: Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, 8700 E Reno Ave., Midwest City
Bring your chairs and join Midwest City in its celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy food trucks, games, The Wise Guys performing live on stage, a huge fireworks display, and a laser show.
- Date: 9:30 p.m. July 4
- Location: University of Central Oklahoma; 100 N University Drive, Edmond
Liberty Fest’s grand finale is one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area. Bring your entire family to witness the spectacular show. Parking is available in lots on campus.
- Date: July 4
- Location: Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, 32888 S 4507 Road, No. 8123, Afton
Duck Creek Fireworks is the longest-running tradition on Grand Lake. Keep an eye out for the highly anticipated War Bird flyover, a tribute to the men and women serving overseas. The fireworks, beginning at sunset, will be synchronized to patriotic music.
- Date: July 4
- Location: River West Festival Park, 2100 S Jackson Ave., Tulsa
Celebrate America’s independence at Tulsa’s annual FreedomFest celebration. This celebration includes all-ages entertainment and a variety of activities and tasty concessions. FreedomFest features one of the largest free fireworks displays in Oklahoma.
Odds of winning the Powerball and Mega Millions are NOT in your favor
Odds of hitting the jackpot in Mega Millions or Powerball are around 1-in-292 million. Here are things that you’re more likely to land than big bucks.
The Oklahoma Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 27, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from June 27 drawing
03-16-28-30-59, Powerball: 11, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lotto America numbers from June 27 drawing
03-08-18-22-39, Star Ball: 06, ASB: 02
Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from June 27 drawing
3-6-9
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 5 numbers from June 27 drawing
15-17-20-25-26
Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from June 27 drawing
02-26-34-43-45, Powerball: 15
Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from June 27 drawing
26-32-38-51-52, Bonus: 05
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
- Sign Your Ticket: Please make sure to sign and complete the back of your ticket
- You have 180 days from the draw date to claim your prize.
- Prizes up to $600: Can be claimed at any Oklahoma Lottery retailer or at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center, located at 300 N. Broadway in downtown Oklahoma City. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 4:00 pm.
- Prizes from $601 to $49,999: These can be claimed at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center or by mail. Payments can be issued as a check or direct deposit (ACH). Claiming in person requires a photo of the front and back of the winning ticket, a valid ID, official proof of Social Security number and a completed claim form.
- Prizes of $50,000 or more: These can be claimed in person at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center or by mail. Payment options include check or ACH. Bring a photo of the front and back of the winning ticket, proof of Social Security number, a completed claim form, and valid ID.
Mail-in Claims: Mail the original signed ticket and a completed claim form to the Oklahoma Lottery, P.O. Box 548810, Oklahoma City, OK 73154. For direct deposit, include a voided check or bank letter with your account details. Non-winning tickets are not accepted, and Oklahoma Lottery assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen mail.
For additional details, refer to the official Oklahoma Lottery claim page.
When are the Oklahoma Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- MEGA Millions: 10 p.m. CT Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily
- Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Pick 3: 9:10 p.m. CT daily.
- Cash 5: 9:10 p.m. CT daily.
- Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Oklahoma editor. You can send feedback using this form.
ICE plans to sell or transfer $700m in empty warehouses
US Immigration & Customs Enforcement is reportedly planning to sell or transfer seven unused warehouse facilities that were purchased as part of a major immigrant detention expansion effort.
unbranded – Newsworthy
President Donald Trump announced June 27 he would nominate Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper, to serve as director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“The Senate must CONFIRM Lance, IMMEDIATELY — Do not delay,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, calling Schroyer a “patriot” and asserting he would help carry out Trump’s broader immigration push to detain and deport individuals the administration describes as serious criminal offenders.
The move to fill the position comes months after Todd Lyons, the acting director of ICE who oversaw immigration enforcement crackdowns linked to killings in Minnesota and Illinois, resigned as acting director at the end of May.
Schroyer has over 29 years in law enforcement in Oklahoma and is a U.S. Marine, Trump said. Most recently, Schroyer’s spearheaded federal-local immigration enforcement partnerships with ICE, including a program that allows state and local agencies to assist federal immigration authorities.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin also praised the selection, saying Schroyer’s background positions him to advance the administration’s immigration enforcement goals and called on the Senate to act quickly to confirm him.
Who is Lance Schroyer?
Schroyer currently serves as senior adviser to the Department of Homeland Security, where he helps coordinate immigration enforcement strategy and interagency cooperation among federal, state and local partners, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
He previously served as a major with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, overseeing emergency and special operations units that handled disaster response, civil disturbance planning, abducted child recovery efforts and tactical operations.
ICE leadership vacancy and broader enforcement debate
ICE has not had a Senate-confirmed director since early 2017 and has largely been led by acting officials.
The nomination comes as the agency continues to play a central role in Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda. The Trump administration has expanded detention and deporation efforts as part of the president’s goals to crack down on people entering the country illegally. Immigration rights groups have raised concerns about civil liberties and detention conditions. ICE has faced scrutiny over enforcement actions and deaths in custody, including incidents that have prompted protests and public debate.
ICE’s detention strategies continue to evolve, including adjustments to how custody facilities are planned and utilized. At the same time, immigration enforcement officers are being deployed in more states, pointing to a wider national presence as part of the administration’s enforcement efforts.
Contributing: Reuters
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT
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