OU sophomore quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. is set to step into the starting role against Kent State after redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer was ruled out due to a right-hand injury. Here are quick facts to know about Hawkins:

• Hawkins' father, a cornerback, played one season for the Sooners in 2002 and recorded one interception in six games. 

• Hawkins, a McKinney, Texas native, was a 2022 District 5-6A first-team selection as a junior at Allen High School before playing his senior year at Frisco Emerson High School.

• Hawkins, during his first start, guided the Sooners to a fourth-quarter win over Auburn in 2024. In the win, Hawkins flashed his quickness with a 48-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter, and in the four quarter, he bravely leaped into the end zone to earn a two-point conversion to make it 24-21.

• During Hawkins' last start, he displayed an array of highs and lows before finishing with 247 passing and 61 rushing yards in a 21-20 Armed Forces Bowl loss.

Hawkins and the Sooners will kickoff against Kent State at 3 p.m. on Oct. 4 on SEC Network.

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