Arbuckle to OU as OC

[Santiago]

Interesting hire there.
Assuming his qb from Wazzou comes with him, and Arnold might be looking elsewhere?

But also.... what type of offense does Arbuckle run?

[StarkVegasSteve]

Interesting hire there.
Assuming his qb from Wazzou comes with him, and Arnold might be looking elsewhere?

But also.... what type of offense does Arbuckle run?

Air Raid. Comes from the Leach tree by way of Zach Kittley. And as I have been saying for the better part of 2 months, Jackson Arnold is transferring and he's transferring here. Lebby and staff have been in touch with Jackson and his father since after he got benched against Tennessee, which was the same day Shapen went down.

[bigbub50]

Air Raid. Comes from the Leach tree by way of Zach Kittley. And as I have been saying for the better part of 2 months, Jackson Arnold is transferring and he's transferring here. Lebby and staff have been in touch with Jackson and his father since after he got benched against Tennessee, which was the same day Shapen went down.

If Arnold comes here, that a crowded qb room for 3 guys expecting to start.

[DLGDawg]

And as I have been saying for the better part of 2 months, Jackson Arnold is transferring and he's transferring here. Lebby and staff have been in touch with Jackson and his father since after he got benched against Tennessee, which was the same day Shapen went down.

How quickly you think this happens after the portal opens?

[Brobi-wan]

If Arnold comes here, that a crowded qb room for 3 guys expecting to start.

I imagine Arnold starts and Shapen either moves on when Arnold announces his commitment or stays to be quality depth. I like MVB, but he may not ever start if we get Arnold and Taylor

[StarkVegasSteve]

How quickly you think this happens after the portal opens?

Fully expect it this week. He's going to know where he goes the second the portal opens. Auburn is trying to muddy the waters, as they are with every QB, so it may not be an immediate commit but it will come shortly.

As for MVB, as of now I expect he stays and battles with Kamario in 26. That was always the plan so I don't know how this changes anything.

[Santiago]

Air Raid. Comes from the Leach tree by way of Zach Kittley. And as I have been saying for the better part of 2 months, Jackson Arnold is transferring and he's transferring here. Lebby and staff have been in touch with Jackson and his father since after he got benched against Tennessee, which was the same day Shapen went down.

It won't work in the SEC ***

[Really Clark?]

If Arnold comes here, that a crowded qb room for 3 guys expecting to start.

There won't be 3 expected starters in the QB room

[StarkVegasSteve]

There won't be 3 expected starters in the QB room

So the plan I was told, and take it with a grain of salt because it was a month ago, was that we were bringing in Arnold. At that point, and this conversation has already happened if I had to guess, we would have talked to Van Buren to get his thoughts. If he was leaning towards leaving then we would bring Shapen back as an insurance policy. If Van Buren stayed and decided to battle Taylor for the job in 26, which was the plan when we signed him, then we would help Shapen get the extra year and find a transfer destination for him.

[DLGDawg]

Fully expect it this week. He's going to know where he goes the second the portal opens. Auburn is trying to muddy the waters, as they are with every QB, so it may not be an immediate commit but it will come shortly.

As for MVB, as of now I expect he stays and battles with Kamario in 26. That was always the plan so I don't know how this changes anything.

If Arnold comes, IMO that puts our QB room in a better position to give younger talent time to develop. If QB 1 goes the year without injuries, redshirt both younger QB's and let them battle it out in 2026.

[KB21]

So the plan I was told, and take it with a grain of salt because it was a month ago, was that we were bringing in Arnold. At that point, and this conversation has already happened if I had to guess, we would have talked to Van Buren to get his thoughts. If he was leaning towards leaving then we would bring Shapen back as an insurance policy. If Van Buren stayed and decided to battle Taylor for the job in 26, which was the plan when we signed him, then we would help Shapen get the extra year and find a transfer destination for him.

I'm not convinced that Jackson Arnold will beat out MVB anyway. Jackson really struggled this year. A lot of that had to do with Littrell as the OC and not Lebby, but his decision-making process was very slow. MVB throws a much better downfield ball than Arnold did this year.

[StarkVegasSteve]

If Arnold comes, IMO that puts our QB room in a better position to give younger talent time to develop. If QB 1 goes the year without injuries, redshirt both younger QB's and let them battle it out in 2026.

Which was the damn plan when we recruited Van Buren. We were always going to bring in a QB this year. It was just a matter of if we were bringing in one to replace Shapen or replace Parson. Basically, bringing in a starter or bringing in a backup.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I'm not convinced that Jackson Arnold will beat out MVB anyway. Jackson really struggled this year. A lot of that had to do with Littrell as the OC and not Lebby, but his decision-making process was very slow. MVB throws a much better downfield ball than Arnold did this year.

He does throw a better deep ball than Jackson. But Jackson is better in the pocket, better with ball control, and honestly he is better running this offense. His decision making process was slow because Litrell was trying to make him something he is not with no receivers. Once Litrell was fired, they decided to become run heavy because they had no receivers but had good RBs and a line who could run block.

[Really Clark?]

So the plan I was told, and take it with a grain of salt because it was a month ago, was that we were bringing in Arnold. At that point, and this conversation has already happened if I had to guess, we would have talked to Van Buren to get his thoughts. If he was leaning towards leaving then we would bring Shapen back as an insurance policy. If Van Buren stayed and decided to battle Taylor for the job in 26, which was the plan when we signed him, then we would help Shapen get the extra year and find a transfer destination for him.

That's pretty much exactly what I was informed as well. Arnold is the only expected starter, if that comes to fruition like expected. MVB and Taylor fight it out for 2026 starting QB. I will say that I have not heard of us really going after any other impact QB's besides Arnold. So we feel very good about him or we will allocate that money elsewhere if we don't get him and run with the QB's we have, it sounds like.

[StarkVegasSteve]

That's pretty much exactly what I was informed as well. Arnold is the only expected starter, if that comes to fruition like expected. MVB and Taylor fight it out for 2026 starting QB. I will say that I have not heard of us really going after any other impact QB's besides Arnold. So we feel very good about him or we will allocate that money elsewhere if we don't get him and run with the QB's we have, it sounds like.

If we do not get Arnold then we are allocating that money elsewhere and will bring in a G5 guy to be the backup in case Van Buren goes down. We do not need another true Freshman QB starting SEC games.

[Really Clark?]

If we do not get Arnold then we are allocating that money elsewhere and will bring in a G5 guy to be the backup in case Van Buren goes down. We do not need another true Freshman QB starting SEC games.

Right and/or keep Shapen on the cheap.

[Coursesuper]

Fully expect it this week. He's going to know where he goes the second the portal opens. Auburn is trying to muddy the waters, as they are with every QB, so it may not be an immediate commit but it will come shortly.

As for MVB, as of now I expect he stays and battles with Kamario in 26. That was always the plan so I don't know how this changes anything.

MVB is asking for a large NIL deal. So we shall see.

[StarkVegasSteve]

MVB is asking for a large NIL deal. So we shall see.

There's a song by Ray Charles that comes to mind for this situation.

[Matt3467]

If we do not get Arnold then we are allocating that money elsewhere and will bring in a G5 guy to be the backup in case Van Buren goes down. We do not need another true Freshman QB starting SEC games.

There's really no other guys we'd be interested in outside of Arnold? That's fine if we hold on to Shapen. I think Shapen has the tools to be one of the better QBs in the country if he can stay healthy and the line can protect.

[Matt3467]

MVB is asking for a large NIL deal. So we shall see.

Probably has a good bit to do with the reverend in his ear. Or at least I've heard AU wants him. Wouldn't surprise me anyway since they just lost two of their QBs to the portal.

[Really Clark?]

Probably has a good bit to do with the reverend in his ear. Or at least I've heard AU wants him. Wouldn't surprise me anyway since they just lost two of their QBs to the portal.

Auburn is muddying the water with nearly every possible transfer QB in the country. They are desperate and creating some chaos. I think we have settled what we are willing to do and not going to let them set our market on a player.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Probably has a good bit to do with the reverend in his ear. Or at least I've heard AU wants him. Wouldn't surprise me anyway since they just lost two of their QBs to the portal.

They want every QB. Although I can go ahead and tell who their QB will be next year right now. It will be Kaidon Salter, the Liberty transfer. Hugh recruited him to Liberty and coached him his first year.

[bigbub50]

Do we know shapens timetable to return? Are we expecting a full recovery and would he be available for spring practice?

[StarkVegasSteve]

Do we know shapens timetable to return? Are we expecting a full recovery and would he be available for spring practice?

He'll recover. Fully is probably off the table with his injury history. I doubt he's ready for spring, or at least that he'd be full go.

[bigbub50]

He'll recover. Fully is probably off the table with his injury history. I doubt he's ready for spring, or at least that he'd be full go.

Thanks. And this was his throwing shoulder? I heard possibly broken scapula when it happened. Is that correct?

[Coach34]

There's really no other guys we'd be interested in outside of Arnold? That's fine if we hold on to Shapen. I think Shapen has the tools to be one of the better QBs in the country if he can stay healthy and the line can protect.

Shapen has yet to stay healthy for a season. It's not going to happen in 2025 either. Do not continue to waste money for a 2nd season

[Walkerhill]

MVB is asking for a large NIL deal. So we shall see.

MVB is an interesting NIL case. Obviously he flashed potential as a true freshman starter - at the same time the results won't be strong enough for a median-or-above P4 team to pencil him in as a starter. And even the super rich programs won't want to overpay for a backup/future qb. And beyond that you assume he wants to start.

So obviously there will be a lot of interest in him based on talent and potential but there may be a delta between his expectations on playing time and $ and the actual offers and guarantees he gets.

If he is willing to compete for a job in a crowded room or fill a backup role for 1-2 years, he could command a big amount. Top high school quarterbacks are commanding over $10M now (for multi-year deals including performance incentives) - Rashada and Underwood for example. A 4/5 star guy with 3-to-play and some SEC-level tape to show could conceivably go for $1M+ per year.

[Cowbell]

Shapen has yet to stay healthy for a season. It's not going to happen in 2025 either. Do not continue to waste money for a 2nd season

Agreed

[bigbub50]

I understand you guys point about shapen with injury past. No we should not overpay and we won’t. He won’t get big money from anyone because of that. But if he does stick around and take a cut, you never know. The thing with his situation, is that if I were gonna give him another chance to start, as a coach, I’d want to have him for spring. If that’s not the case, then it’s best to part ways unless he is willing to take 5 figures and plan on being the back up. His intangibles as far as being a good teammate and leader is off the charts. His arm talent is plus. His mobility is above average. Something inside me is really pulling for him.

[Coach34]

He wont be able to do anything live in the Spring. Just group and indy work.

[Homedawg]

So the plan I was told, and take it with a grain of salt because it was a month ago, was that we were bringing in Arnold. At that point, and this conversation has already happened if I had to guess, we would have talked to Van Buren to get his thoughts. If he was leaning towards leaving then we would bring Shapen back as an insurance policy. If Van Buren stayed and decided to battle Taylor for the job in 26, which was the plan when we signed him, then we would help Shapen get the extra year and find a transfer destination for him.

I replied to this in portal thread, That was prior to arnold getting his job back. Don't expect him here. And unless something has changed, very recently, we are going to try to keep shapen.

[Really Clark?]

I replied to this in portal thread, That was prior to arnold getting his job back. Don't expect him here. And unless something has changed, very recently, we are going to try to keep shapen.

Arbuckle's offense may be an issue to Arnold.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I replied to this in portal thread, That was prior to arnold getting his job back. Don't expect him here. And unless something has changed, very recently, we are going to try to keep shapen.

I replied in the portal thread but I will here too. It did not change. Especially with the hiring of Arbuckle. Jackson is not a fit for the Air Raid system. I still expect Arnold will be here. One game against Bama and Venables finally coming to his senses did not change anything.

[parabrave]

I imagine Arnold starts and Shapen either moves on when Arnold announces his commitment or stays to be quality depth. I like MVB, but he may not ever start if we get Arnold and Taylor

You did watch Arnold play this year didn't you? Why in the hell would we want him here when he was getting saved by his defense against Bama. You have to be able to pass in lebbys offense not be Nicky part Deaux.

[Homedawg]

I replied in the portal thread but I will here too. It did not change. Especially with the hiring of Arbuckle. Jackson is not a fit for the Air Raid system. I still expect Arnold will be here. One game against Bama and Venables finally coming to his senses did not change anything.

we are gettting conflicting info, which happens.

[StarkVegasSteve]

we are gettting conflicting info, which happens.

That it does. No way to know who's right until the portal opens. Be interesting to see what happens.

[Brobi-wan]

You did watch Arnold play this year didn't you? Why in the hell would we want him here when he was getting saved by his defense against Bama. You have to be able to pass in lebbys offense not be Nicky part Deaux.

Some. There?s no reason to believe he can?t improve with the right coach and system. I do think he would be competing with MVB. He?s been at college an extra year. He was in a system that he?s not fit to run. That happens. You can make an argument for Fitz to be a top 20 all time SEC QB. There?s no chance that in any other system than Dan?s he even sniffs that. If Lebby thinks Arnold can run his system and wants him, bring him. MVB has some some issues too and there was little improvement from Texas to OM. MVB is good, but if he was throwing to Arnold?s receivers and not Coleman and Craver, we might be saying to let him walk and throw Taylor in the fire. We already had posters on this board saying how much he sucks and it?s his fault we lost to OM. I was not one of them.

If he comes he comes, if he doesn?t?he was never here anyways.

[parabrave]

Some. There?s no reason to believe he can?t improve with the right coach and system. I do think he would be competing with MVB. He?s been at college an extra year. He was in a system that he?s not fit to run. That happens. You can make an argument for Fitz to be a top 20 all time SEC QB. There?s no chance that in any other system than Dan?s he even sniffs that. If Lebby thinks Arnold can run his system and wants him, bring him. MVB has some some issues too and there was little improvement from Texas to OM. MVB is good, but if he was throwing to Arnold?s receivers and not Coleman and Craver, we might be saying to let him walk and throw Taylor in the fire. We already had posters on this board saying how much he sucks and it?s his fault we lost to OM. I was not one of them.

If he comes he comes, if he doesn?t?he was never here anyways.

Might be so but in this day and age of CFB the main question is how much is he gonna coast when we have really more glaring issues than to bring in someone to "push" the starter. We apparently have the next Joe Burrow in line to take over in 2 years so thats gonna cost us more. We need to spend money on a QB Coach who can teach MVB and others. Remember everyone needs to watch Moneyball cause thats where MSU and about 80% of all colleges are at now. We can not afford to have an Arch sit on the bench for 2 years.

[Brobi-wan]

Might be so but in this day and age of CFB the main question is how much is he gonna coast when we have really more glaring issues than to bring in someone to "push" the starter. We apparently have the next Joe Burrow in line to take over in 2 years so thats gonna cost us more. We need to spend money on a QB Coach who can teach MVB and others. Remember everyone needs to watch Moneyball cause thats where MSU and about 80% of all colleges are at now. We can not afford to have an Arch sit on the bench for 2 years.

I think yours is a fair assessment. If MVB isn’t ready to start, who would you go get? Asking out of curiosity.

[parabrave]

I think yours is a fair assessment. If MVB isn’t ready to start, who would you go get? Asking out of curiosity.

Have no idea but having 2 alpha males at the same position really doesn't work. Just ask Craig Morton and Steve Young. And MVB should be ready and if Lebby can't get him ready then he needs to re-evaluate his career path. And Arnold isn't coming here to play 2nd Fiddle. He seems to do better in a Dan Merles offense than an offense where you have to put a football in a teacup 40 yards downfield. And MVB has shown he can do that. And another thing about Arnold is ever since Lebby was announced as HC a few posters started out as saying that we were getting Dillon Gaberal (sp) then when we didn't get him that we would be getting Arnold. And since since some make predictions then they can never let it go. Remember when Steve Guidry was to be our next Eric Moulds and a few in the know posters who propped him up could never admit they were wrong. Also if Lebby needed him why didn't he get him to come here instead of Shapen?

[Todd4State]

Have no idea but having 2 alpha males at the same position really doesn't work. Just ask Craig Morton and Steve Young. And MVB should be ready and if Lebby can't get him ready then he needs to re-evaluate his career path. And Arnold isn't coming here to play 2nd Fiddle. He seems to do better in a Dan Merles offense than an offense where you have to put a football in a teacup 40 yards downfield. And MVB has shown he can do that. And another thing about Arnold is ever since Lebby was announced as HC a few posters started out as saying that we were getting Dillon Gaberal (sp) then when we didn't get him that we would be getting Arnold. And since since some make predictions then they can never let it go. Remember when Steve Guidry was to be our next Eric Moulds and a few in the know posters who propped him up could never admit they were wrong. Also if Lebby needed him why didn't he get him to come here instead of Shapen?

We probably didn't get Arnold because we suck at tampering and he wasn't playing QB at Jones JC before MSU.**

[Todd4State]

I think in a perfect world, we keep MVB, get a new QB like an Arnold and then keep Shapen on. The odds of that happening are probably low to none I know. But that would be ideal.

Because to me, Arnold would be a great starting QB, Shapen would be a perfect back up. He knows the offense and him staying may make some sense. Because he is hurt and who is going to take a chance on him in the portal this offseason? He can't go through spring practice and is injury prone as is. MVB needs some time to develop as a QB. It's hard to win in the SEC with a freshman or even a sophomore. We can still use MVB in packages and things like that where he is our running QB option sort of like Dak his freshman year.


And yeah I know Shapen will probably find a landing spot somewhere like ULM or La Tech and we'll end up with someone other than Jackson Arnold.

[Todd4State]

Have no idea but having 2 alpha males at the same position really doesn't work. Just ask Craig Morton and Steve Young. And MVB should be ready and if Lebby can't get him ready then he needs to re-evaluate his career path. And Arnold isn't coming here to play 2nd Fiddle. He seems to do better in a Dan Merles offense than an offense where you have to put a football in a teacup 40 yards downfield. And MVB has shown he can do that. And another thing about Arnold is ever since Lebby was announced as HC a few posters started out as saying that we were getting Dillon Gaberal (sp) then when we didn't get him that we would be getting Arnold. And since since some make predictions then they can never let it go. Remember when Steve Guidry was to be our next Eric Moulds and a few in the know posters who propped him up could never admit they were wrong. Also if Lebby needed him why didn't he get him to come here instead of Shapen?

As far as the alpha male thing goes I think it's different in college. If you're a true freshman and there is a junior or senior starting ahead of you I don't think that's a big deal for most guys. Like Arch Manning knows he has a clear path to start for Texas. Now if you have a situation like Alabama had with Jalen Hurts and Tua then yeah - one of them is going to transfer out.

[Santiago]

Interesting that a school like OU, steeped in the old Big 8 type offenses and National Championships, have incorporated modern day offenses and produced Heisman candidates and winners from it.
They even won a National Championship, with Coach Leach's QB recruit and system.
At MSU , we try to go that route, and fans and some media, come up with nicknames for it, and pine for the offense 30 years ago.

Good ole college football.

[parabrave]

As far as the alpha male thing goes I think it's different in college. If you're a true freshman and there is a junior or senior starting ahead of you I don't think that's a big deal for most guys. Like Arch Manning knows he has a clear path to start for Texas. Now if you have a situation like Alabama had with Jalen Hurts and Tua then yeah - one of them is going to transfer out.

Well Arch is getting paid millions to sit and wait, which is most always the best thing, knowing he will be the starter. Jalen saw the writing on the wall and went to where he knew he would start. Plus both he and Tua got paid. If Arnold comes here with the promise that he would get a "chance" to beat out a true freshman who had a decent year and/or to push him and maybe get paid then he needs to get a new agent.