Oklahoma QB Jackson Arnold Already Drawing Heisman Comparison from ESPN

The network says Sooners' freshman quarterback makes a fair comparison to an OU Heisman winner, while WR Jaquaize Pettaway also got an impressive comp.

Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold has already drawn some heady comparisons.

The latest comes with a Heisman Trophy pedigree.

According to an ESPN list (subscription required) comparing incoming freshmen to a member of their school’s upper-level heritage, Arnold’s comparison is none other than Baker Mayfield.

Arnold, who went through his fourth spring practice as a Sooner on Monday, ranks No. 45 in this year’s ESPN 300.

There’s a natural comparison, of course, in their stature. Mayfield, like Arnold, is 6-foot-1. They both come from Texas. And they both carry themselves with a certain undeniable swagger.

“Mayfield completed a stellar career at Oklahoma after originally walking on at Texas Tech,” the article reads. “During his time as a Sooner, he threw for a whopping 12,292 yards and 119 touchdowns, won the 2017 Heisman and averaged a staggering 11.5 yards per pass attempt. He was the very definition of swagger and moxie, and he had the arm to back it up.

Jackson Arnold :: John E. Hoover / AllSooners

“Arnold is like Mayfield not only in stature (6-foot-1, 195 pounds), but also in style. He's confident, poised and intellectual. At Denton Guyer High School (Texas), he ran essentially the same offensive system that he will be in at Oklahoma under Jeff Lebby, which has many similarities to Lincoln Riley's scheme when tutoring Mayfield. The 2022-23 Gatorade Player of the Year should face a seamless transition at the next level.

“In fact, Arnold is more than capable of not only competing with Dillon Gabriel, but also beating him out. Even if he ends up being the No. 2 as a freshman, he could play and redshirt with four years of eligibility remaining. If he were to burn his redshirt year, having three years of being a starter will be more than enough to make his mark in Norman.”

ESPN’s Craig Haubert and Tom Luginbill drew 10 members of the ESPN 300 and sought a comparison to “a recognizable player” from the program’s past.

They also drew a memorable comparison for 4-star wide receiver Jaquaize Pettaway — who arrives at OU this summer — in likening him to a record-setting Sooner wideout: Ryan Broyles, who set the all-time NCAA record for receptions in a career.

Jaquaize Pettaway :: John E. Hoover / AllSooners

“There were faster players in college football than Broyles during his Oklahoma tenure, but very few were as productive,” the article states. “He finished as Oklahoma's all-time career leader in receptions (349) and scored 45 touchdowns. The ultimate slot receiver from 2008 to 2011, Broyles was one of the best route runners in recent college football memory and was a second-round draft choice by the Detroit Lions in 2012.

“Pettaway may be faster (10.4 100-meter) than Broyles, and his scheme versatility and route-running precision is very similar. His ability to navigate coverage from the slot, be featured on bubble screens and jet sweeps, and win one-on-one matchups in man coverage are all strengths. Like Broyles, Pettaway knows how to get open and make plays. He could follow in his footsteps and develop into a dangerous return man for the Sooners, as well.

“Oklahoma's receiving corps ranked 48th in receiving yards and 68th in receptions per target in 2022, and with Marvin Mims Jr. entering the draft, the Sooners don't have a strong receiving corps returning. This could provide a great opportunity for Pettaway to break in early and use his speed to develop into a go-to player who is also a feared return specialist. Plus, he is coming in early with QB Jackson Arnold, with whom he has also developed a rapport, which was on display in Under Armour All-America Game.”