The true freshman not named Arch Manning making history in the Red River Rivalry

A true freshman quarterback will be making history Saturday and his name is not Arch Manning.

Michael Hawkins Jr. made his college debut against Tennessee after Brent Venables benched then starter, Jackson Arnold.

Hawkins was celebrated for his poise and maturity and led an 11-point 4th quarter comeback against Auburn in his first official start. He finished his first start with 14 rushing attempts for 69 yards and a touchdown, and completed 10 of 15 passes for 161 yards.

On Saturday, Hawkins will become the first OU true freshman quarterback to start in the Red River Rivalry as the No. 18 Sooners (4-1, 1-1 SEC) face No. 1 Texas (5-0, 1-0) at 2:30 p.m. in Dallas.

“I don’t even look at him like a true freshman quarterback,” Venables said about Hawkins making his first start in the Red River Rivalry.

“He’s going to have some true freshman moments throughout the course of his first season, but you can prepare him, you can talk him through it, and paint the picture.”

However, the Oklahoma offensive line has given up 12 sacks, which is the fourth most in the SEC, and the team has the conference’s worst rushing attack. Additionally, with Deion Burks ruled out on Thursday, Oklahoma will be without its five primary wide receivers against the No. 2 pass defense nationally.

The Longhorns’ defense ranks third and has given up just 35 total points across five games. They are ranked second nationally in scoring defense, third in total defense, eighth in third-down defense, and 12th in tackles for loss.

Win or lose, Hawkins name is engraved in this century-old rivalry. He has a huge burnt orange mountain to climb in order to be on the winning side of history.