New Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Ben Arbuckle has quickly reshaped the team’s quarterback roster in his first few months on the job.
As the offensive play-caller, Arbuckle has already brought in three new quarterbacks and reportedly secured a fourth this week.
According to Parker Thune of OUInsider and Rivals, Oklahoma has picked up a commitment from Virginia transfer quarterback Gavin Frakes. With Frakes’ addition, the Sooners now have five quarterbacks on their roster, pushing their total team count to 108 — slightly over the NCAA’s recommended 105-player limit.
Frakes, a Norman native, returns home after a year at Virginia where he didn’t see any playing time. Originally part of New Mexico State’s 2022 recruiting class, he played in 11 games as a true freshman, throwing for 736 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 143 yards and two more scores. He redshirted in 2023 and arrives at OU with two years of eligibility left. He becomes one of four quarterbacks on the roster with prior starting experience at the college level.
Frakes joins fellow quarterbacks John Mateer, Michael Hawkins Jr., Whitt Newbauer, and Jett Niu, adding depth and competing for reps behind Mateer and Hawkins. With nearly the entire quarterback group turned over from last season, fans have reason to be optimistic.
Looking ahead, the Sooners are eyeing top quarterback prospects Jaden O’Neal and Bowe Bentley for 2026, while targeting Peyton Houston from Louisiana in the 2027 class.
Arbuckle has overhauled the QB unit with just one returner and now faces the challenge of leading Oklahoma’s offense solo in the SEC. His existing rapport with Mateer from their time at Washington State should help the transition. Arbuckle also brought trusted assistants John Kuceyeski and Colt Garrett from Washington State, and he’ll benefit from the experience of Kevin Wilson, a seasoned offensive analyst and former head coach at Tulsa and Indiana.
Wilson, who was Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator from 2002 to 2010 and held the same role at Ohio State from 2017 to 2022, adds valuable expertise. His extensive coaching experience supports not only Arbuckle but also head coach Brent Venables, offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh, and tight ends coach Joe Jon Finley.
With the addition of Frakes and a deep quarterback room in place, Arbuckle has positioned the Sooners for a much stronger offensive showing than they had a year ago.
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