Brent Venables explains how Jackson Arnold has pushed Dillon Gabriel

Dillon Gabriel has Oklahoma blistering out of the gates this season, ready to prove 2022 was a fluke and that he’s the quarterback that will set the tone for the Sooners’ eventual move to the SEC.

That job is poised for 2023’s No. 2 quarterback recruit Jackson Arnold, who is waiting in the wings, ready for his number to be called at any moment. It’s not a matter of if, it’s when Arnold will be the Sooners’ starting quarterback. That thought isn’t in the head of Gabriel, though, according to head coach Brent Venables.

Gabriel, a member of the 2019 recruiting class, is in his final season of collegiate eligibility. As Arnold adjusts to the speed of the college game, he can learn a thing or two under Gabriel — who is now a 12,000 career passer after last week’s performance — before taking over the job this offseason.

“Competition should bring out the best in everyone if you’re made of the right stuff, but I don’t think Dillon has ever felt ‘threatened,’ but he certainly knows the young guys are watching him everyday and that he’s extremely talented in their own right. Who wouldn’t want to show off their stuff? I’m sure it’s helped, but at the same time Dillon isn’t looking over his shoulder, either.

“He’s comfortable in his own skin and he’s in the process to know what to do to play at a high level. I think that’s helped him as opposed to paralyze him.”

Through three games, Gabriel leads the Big 12 Conference in passing yards with 905 and touchdowns with 11. He’s the only quarterback in the conference to throw more than eight passing scores, and is one of seven nationally to throw for at least 10 thus far.

As No. 16 Oklahoma begins conference play on the road against Cincinnati on Saturday and at home against Iowa State the next, it gives them just enough time to solidify their identity for the season before the most important matchup of the year — against No. 3 Texas on Oct. 7 for the Red River Rivalry.

Gabriel was on the sidelined due to concussion protocols during 2022’s 49-0 loss to the Longhorns, and with a full and healthy lineup is expected to even that score out a bit more for this year’s edition of the game. All that momentum could be ruined if the Sooners don’t get through the Bearcats and Cyclones first, though.