Michael Hawkins Jr. knows he is much more ready for the Texas Longhorns this time around for a few different reasons

Hawkins is good enough to beat Texas

Oklahoma Sooners backup QB Michael Hawkins Jr. stats

• 2024 stats: 7 Games, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, 76/120, 783 passing yards. 204 rushing yards, 69 rush attempts, 1 rushing TD.
• 2025 stats: 2 Games, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, 15/27, 167 passing yards. 58 rushing yards, 15 attempts, 1 rushing TD.

Watching Hawkins against Kent State, he wasn't amazing, but he wasn't terrible. Considering who they played, that's not necessarily a good thing. Hawkins used his legs well and made some impressive throws, such as the one to Isaiah Sategna, where he was being sacked and threw it 50 yards for a touchdown.

But he also had some pretty bad throws. At times, it looked like he wasn't comfortable in the pocket at all. His feet weren't set, and he would sail some throws way over wide-open receivers, with almost no pressure on the pocket.

Hawkins did use his legs well at some points, but if they were indeed running some read-option stuff, there were certainly times he shouldn't have pulled the ball. However, that's going to be something that gets better with reps, as Hawkins is probably just very antsy.


This offense is worlds better than the one we saw against Texas last season. They can actually move the ball up and down the field. However, the run game does need to be better. Luckily, Jaydn Ott is getting right at the perfect time. Hawkins is also going to be more ready because he will have most of his receivers and offensive line healthy. He has more weapons this time around, and has watched a Heisman-level QB in John Mateer work now for four games.


So, yes, Hawkins is ready, and he knows that, too.

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