Oklahoma has a bevy of talent at the quarterback position in 2023.

On one end of the eligibility spectrum is the quarterback of the present: Dillon Gabriel. On the other side of the coin is the quarterback of the future: Jackson Arnold. Gabriel is a redshirt senior and mostly entrenched as the team’s starting quarterback. But depth was a significant concern at the position last fall and when Gabriel was briefly knocked out of the lineup by a concussion, things got hairy.

Even though Arnold will have to wait his turn for the main job, he should be able to see the field in some capacity as a freshman. It’ll be an appetizer of sorts for Sooner fans.

Offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby is excited for the main course.

“He’s, really, exceeded expectations,” Lebby said at the OU coaches luncheon on Thursday, per Sooner Scoop’s George Stoia. “At some point, that young man is going to be the face of our program, and everybody in this room and Sooner Nation is going to be dang proud of him.”

The Elite 11 MVP threw for 3,476 yards and 33 touchdowns against only 2 interceptions as a high school senior at Denton (Texas) Guyer. He added another 921 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns on the ground. Arnold earned 5-star status in the industry-generated 247 Composite and closed out as the No. 10 recruit in the national player rankings.

He enrolled early at OU and went through spring ball with the program. Since, coaches have had nothing but positive things to say about his potential.