BREAKING: Oklahoma Sooners Backup QB Michael Hawkins Jr. Makes Bold Statement to Coach Brent Venables and NFL’s Dan Campbell
In a surprising twist that has rocked the college football landscape and captured the attention of NFL circles, Oklahoma Sooners backup quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. has issued a stunning announcement that directly addresses not only Sooners head coach Brent Venables but also Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell. The move is being described by insiders as a potential game-changer—not just for Hawkins’ collegiate future but also for how college athletes navigate relationships with professional franchises and their own programs.
Hawkins, a redshirt freshman out of Allen, Texas, was considered one of the most promising dual-threat quarterbacks in his recruiting class. Though he’s been serving in a backup role behind Oklahoma starter Jackson Arnold, Hawkins has generated significant buzz in practice sessions and spring games due to his explosive athleticism, high football IQ, and relentless work ethic.
For months, speculation has surrounded his next move. Would he stay at Oklahoma and wait for his chance? Would he enter the transfer portal and seek a starting role elsewhere? Or, perhaps most unexpectedly, would he set his sights on the NFL in a non-traditional route? On Friday evening, Hawkins finally broke the silence—and the internet—with a powerful statement on social media, tagging both Venables and Campbell, and hinting at a decision that could signal a new era in how college quarterbacks view their futures.
“I’ve got nothing but love for Coach Venables and the OU family,” Hawkins wrote. “But I wasn’t made to wait around. I was made to lead. And when I see what Coach Campbell is building in Detroit, I see a team that fights like I do. My time is now. Let’s go make history.”
The message was immediately interpreted as Hawkins declaring for the NFL Supplemental Draft—an avenue rarely taken by college players not facing eligibility issues. While such a move would be highly unconventional, Hawkins has always marched to the beat of his own drum. And what’s more—sources close to the situation confirm that Hawkins has already been in informal contact with quarterback coaches tied to NFL teams, including some with strong connections to Detroit.
For Brent Venables, this development introduces an entirely new wrinkle. The Oklahoma Sooners are already among the most scrutinized programs in the nation as they gear up for their first full season in the SEC. Jackson Arnold is the unquestioned starter, but Hawkins was widely regarded as the contingency plan, someone who could not only push Arnold but also provide immediate relief in the event of injury or underperformance.
Now, the depth chart suddenly feels precarious. With Hawkins potentially out of the picture, true freshman Brendan Zurbrugg may be forced into a QB2 role far earlier than expected. While Zurbrugg has shown flashes, he’s not nearly as game-ready as Hawkins was projected to be heading into this season.
Internally, Oklahoma staff are said to be “stunned but not blindsided.” One source within the program indicated that Hawkins had been increasingly vocal about wanting a larger role and that his ambition to lead was not being fully realized in Norman. Still, few expected him to leap directly toward the NFL with only limited college film to his name.
“He’s one of the fiercest competitors we’ve had in that room,” the source said. “You could tell he wasn’t going to be satisfied riding the bench forever. But nobody thought he’d shoot for the pros this early. It’s bold. Very bold.”
So why Dan Campbell?
The Detroit Lions have become a symbol of grit, resilience, and transformation in recent years, largely thanks to Campbell’s passionate coaching and player-first mentality. Under his leadership, the Lions have gone from a perennial punchline to a legitimate playoff threat. And it’s no coincidence that young players like Aidan Hutchinson and Jahmyr Gibbs have flourished under his regime.
Hawkins, known for his fire and tenacity, likely sees in Campbell a kindred spirit—someone who values raw toughness and refuses to back down from a challenge. His decision to tag Campbell specifically is being interpreted as an open invitation: “I’m your guy, give me a shot.”
NFL scouts, for their part, are scrambling to evaluate what limited tape exists on Hawkins. Though he lacks significant in-game college reps, his high school career and practice performances have painted the picture of a player with real upside. He’s been clocked at 4.5 in the 40-yard dash, can make every throw on the field, and carries himself with the confidence of a seasoned pro.
Still, questions abound. Can he adjust to NFL speed without the seasoning that a few years as a college starter would provide? Is he physically ready to absorb NFL-level hits and maintain consistency against pro defenses? Most importantly—will any team, including Detroit, be willing to spend a supplemental draft pick on him?
The NFL Supplemental Draft, which is typically held in July, allows teams to select players who were not eligible for the regular NFL Draft but have since become eligible under special circumstances. While rare, there is precedent. Players like Josh Gordon and Terrelle Pryor famously entered the league this way—though with mixed results.
For the Lions, the situation is delicate. Jared Goff is entrenched as the starter, and the team just recently extended his contract. But behind him, the depth chart isn’t as airtight. If Campbell and his staff see potential in Hawkins as a developmental project—perhaps one who fits their culture and long-term vision—it’s not inconceivable they’d take the gamble.
Social media exploded in the hours following Hawkins’ post. Fans debated whether his decision was courageous or reckless. NFL analysts offered early evaluations, with some praising his confidence and others warning that the leap could backfire without sufficient game tape. Oklahoma fans expressed disappointment, mixed with admiration for a player unafraid to bet on himself.
“Respect the hustle,” one fan tweeted. “But man, I wanted to see him light it up in the SEC before anything else.”
Others weren’t as charitable. “This is a mistake,” another posted. “He needed at least a year of starting reps before even thinking about the NFL.”
But for Hawkins, the decision appears to be about more than logic or tradition—it’s about seizing control of his path. And in an era where NIL deals, transfer portals, and new eligibility rules are reshaping college football, his move might be more emblematic of the sport’s future than many realize.
If nothing else, his message has forced both the Sooners and the Lions to pay attention—and the rest of the football world is watching closely.
Whether Hawkins’ bold declaration leads to an NFL opportunity or serves as a rallying cry for more playing time elsewhere remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Michael Hawkins Jr. is no longer content to wait in the shadows.
He’s knocking on the door. Loudly.
