The usually steady world of college football, accustomed to transfer portal drama and coaching carousel spins, has been rocked by a truly unprecedented and startling announcement. Michael Hawkins Jr., the promising sophomore quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners and presumed backup for the upcoming 2025 season, has delivered a shockwave that extends far beyond Norman, Oklahoma, reaching all the way to the NFL. In a move that left head coach Brent Venables reeling and even caught the attention of Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, Hawkins has revealed a decision that will undoubtedly alter his football trajectory and spark widespread debate.
Michael Hawkins Jr. arrived at Oklahoma as a highly-touted four-star recruit from Dallas, Texas, with immense potential as a dual-threat quarterback. He saw significant action as a true freshman in 2024, stepping into a challenging situation after starting quarterback Jackson Arnold (who later transferred to Auburn) struggled and was benched. Hawkins started four games, including the Red River Rivalry against Texas, demonstrating flashes of his athleticism, strong arm, and playmaking ability, even while navigating the immense pressure of the SEC as a young signal-caller. He finished his freshman campaign with 783 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, and added 204 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Heading into the 2025 season, Hawkins was positioned as the clear backup to transfer quarterback John Mateer (from Washington State), who was brought in to lead the Sooners’ offense. While not the projected starter, Hawkins was viewed as a crucial piece of the quarterback room, a talented insurance policy, and the heir apparent to the starting job in the near future. He had publicly expressed his commitment to Oklahoma and his eagerness for competition in the quarterback room, even welcoming the addition of other transfer QBs. His future in Norman seemed bright and secure.
However, in a private meeting requested by Hawkins, both head coach Brent Venables and, surprisingly, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, were present to hear a revelation no one anticipated. The exact details of how Dan Campbell, the fiery and widely respected NFL coach, came to be involved in a meeting with an Oklahoma backup quarterback remain shrouded in mystery, but sources suggest a pre-existing mentorship or advisory relationship, possibly through a mutual contact or family friend, particularly given Campbell’s reputation for valuing character and grit.
The announcement, delivered with a mix of earnestness and conviction by Hawkins, was not a transfer declaration to another college, nor was it an early declaration for the NFL Draft. Instead, Michael Hawkins Jr. informed both coaches that he intends to step away from collegiate football to pursue a career as a professional mixed martial artist (MMA) fighter.
This decision is nothing short of stunning. For a highly recruited, scholarship quarterback at a top-tier SEC program, entering his sophomore year with clear upward mobility on the depth chart, to abruptly choose a completely different, physically demanding, and notoriously brutal sport, is almost unheard of.
The reactions from the two coaches present were reportedly starkly different:
Brent Venables’ Reaction:
Coach Venables, known for his intense passion and commitment to his players, was reportedly shocked and deeply disappointed. He had invested heavily in Hawkins’ development, seeing him as a vital component of the Sooners’ future, especially as they navigate the rigorous SEC schedule. Venables, a defensive-minded coach, values toughness and competitive spirit, qualities Hawkins undoubtedly possesses. However, to lose a talent of Hawkins’ caliber, especially at the critical quarterback position, outside of traditional football reasons (transfer to another school, NFL Draft), is a significant blow to roster stability and planning. Venables likely tried to understand the depth of Hawkins’ conviction, perhaps attempting to dissuade him, but ultimately respected the young man’s personal choice, albeit with a heavy heart for the program. The immediate concern for Venables will be assessing the depth chart behind Mateer and potentially exploring options in the transfer portal, even at this late stage, to ensure adequate insurance at quarterback.
Dan Campbell’s Reaction:
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, renowned for his own background as a tenacious NFL player, his “kneecap biting” philosophy, and his appreciation for raw physicality and unwavering mental toughness, reportedly reacted with a mix of surprise and a profound, albeit perhaps grim, understanding. While undoubtedly disappointed to see a promising football talent deviate from the gridiron, Campbell, more than perhaps any other NFL coach, can appreciate the kind of mindset required to pursue a career in MMA. He values toughness, resilience, and a willingness to embrace brutal challenges. His presence in the meeting suggests a level of personal investment in Hawkins’ well-being, and while he may have advised caution, he likely recognized the singular drive that pushes athletes to such extreme pursuits. Campbell might even see parallels between the mental fortitude needed to play quarterback in the SEC and the unyielding will required in the octagon.
Sources close to Hawkins suggest that his decision is rooted in a lifelong fascination with combat sports, a deep-seated desire for individual challenge, and a feeling that his true calling lies in the disciplined yet explosive world of MMA. While he excelled at football, there may have been a yearning for a sport where the outcome rests solely on his individual performance and mental fortitude, without the intricate team dynamics and strategic layers of football. The personal drive to prove himself in a one-on-one combat setting appears to have outweighed the lure of NFL riches and college football glory.
- A Steep, Brutal Road: The transition from football to professional MMA is incredibly demanding. While Hawkins possesses elite athleticism and a competitive spirit, mastering the diverse disciplines of MMA (striking, grappling, wrestling, jiu-jitsu) requires years of dedicated training and an entirely different physiological adaptation. The journey will be physically and mentally brutal.
- Financial Reality: Unlike a guaranteed NFL contract, a career in early MMA offers little financial security. Hawkins will be starting from the bottom, likely fighting for small purses in regional promotions, far from the multi-million dollar deals of professional football.
- Unique Athlete: If he succeeds, Hawkins’ background as a high-level college quarterback could make him a compelling figure in the MMA world, attracting attention and sponsorships.
Hawkins’ decision, if it gains traction, could spark a larger conversation about athletes pursuing non-traditional career paths after reaching high levels in mainstream sports. It highlights the evolving landscape where individual passions and unique skill sets might lead athletes away from the established collegiate and professional structures.
For the Oklahoma Sooners, this is a significant and unexpected curveball for the 2025 season. For Brent Venables, it’s a test of his ability to adapt and maintain depth in a crucial position. For Dan Campbell, it’s a peculiar footnote in his coaching career, witnessing a young talent choose a path less traveled, but one he can perhaps uniquely understand. Michael Hawkins Jr.’s shocking announcement has ripped a page from the traditional sports playbook, opting instead for a path forged by individual will and the raw power of the human spirit in the combat arena.
