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Bowe Bentley continues to impress with his development at Oklahoma
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- Bowe Bentley continues to impress with his development at Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Sooners may have a quarterback conundrum. John Mateer has started every game so far this season.
However, he's struggled mightily with turnovers. Mateer is completing 65.1% of his passes for 1,308 yards, nine touchdowns and seven interceptions with two fumbles. His play has led many fans to wonder whether it's time to give one of the backups a look. One is freshman Bowe Bentley, a top-10 quarterback in the 2026 class.
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Bentley has appeared in just one game and thrown one pass. Still, offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle said he's impressed with what he's seen from Bentley.
"He's always getting better, and he's always learning," Arbuckle said. "With the more experience that happens, even if he isn't the guy in the game right now, he's very aware and very hyper-focused on what is going on... I've been proud of Bowe and the continued development that I see from him."
Bentley's development gives Oklahoma another option to consider as it looks for ways to stabilize its offense. His limited game experience means the freshman still has plenty to prove, but Arbuckle's comments suggest the coaching staff values his progress and attention to detail. Whether Bentley earns a larger role will depend on how he continues to develop in practice and how the staff evaluates the quarterback position moving forward.
For now, the Sooners are sticking with Mateer, as Arbuckle has said he believes Mateer gives them the best chance to win. But if the turnovers continue and the losses pile up, Bentley's improvement may be too hard to ignore.
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs with the ball as Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Ty Bryant (14) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables is is pictured during the= college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks coach Ben Arbuckle is pictured during the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma's John Mateer (10) is pressured by Kentucky's Mi'quise Humphrey-Grace (90) as he throws in the fourth quarter of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jake Kreul (98) reacts after tackling Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Kenny Minchey (3) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Elijah Barnes (0) and Kentucky Wildcats defensive lineman Mi'quise Humphrey-Grace (90) tackle Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Taylor Wein (44) reacts during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oklahoma's John Mateer (10) scrambles in the fourth quarter of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Nic Anderson (4) makes a diving catch in front of Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oklahoma's Michael Boganowski (25) tackles Kentucky's Jason Patterson (26) in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma's Manny Choice (0) makes. catch as Kentucky's Hasaan Sykes (12) defends in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma's Jonathan Hatton Jr. (20) looks to get by Kentucky's Ty Bryant (14) in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; The Sooner Schooner runs onto the field before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jake Kreul (98) and Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) tackle Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Kenny Minchey (3) during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners punter Jacob Ulrich (87) throws an interception while attempting a fake field goal during the second quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) greets offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oklahoma's Rocky Beers (81) makes a touchdown catch in front of Kentucky's Ty Bryant (14) in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the first quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Oklahoma Sooners game-by-game predictions from ESPN
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs with the ball as Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Ty Bryant (14) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Oklahoma Sooners game-by-game predictions from ESPN
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs with the ball as Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Ty Bryant (14) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Brent Venables finds positives after tough loss to Kentucky
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables is is pictured during the= college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Ben Arbuckle praises collaboration among Oklahoma's offensive staff
Oklahoma Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks coach Ben Arbuckle is pictured during the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners' 21-13 loss to Kentucky
Oklahoma's John Mateer (10) is pressured by Kentucky's Mi'quise Humphrey-Grace (90) as he throws in the fourth quarter of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Jake Kreul breaks out with monster game against Kentucky
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jake Kreul (98) reacts after tackling Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Kenny Minchey (3) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Brent Venables praises the fight of the offensive line after loss
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Elijah Barnes (0) and Kentucky Wildcats defensive lineman Mi'quise Humphrey-Grace (90) tackle Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Taylor Wein believes Oklahoma's defense can go to another level
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Taylor Wein (44) reacts during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Sooners Wire Staff Predictions for Oklahoma vs. Mississippi State
Oklahoma's John Mateer (10) scrambles in the fourth quarter of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners' 21-13 loss to Kentucky
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Nic Anderson (4) makes a diving catch in front of Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners' 21-13 loss to Kentucky
Oklahoma's Michael Boganowski (25) tackles Kentucky's Jason Patterson (26) in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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4 Oklahoma Sooners to watch in Week 8 against Mississippi State
Oklahoma's Manny Choice (0) makes. catch as Kentucky's Hasaan Sykes (12) defends in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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4 Oklahoma Sooners to watch in Week 8 against Mississippi State
Oklahoma's Jonathan Hatton Jr. (20) looks to get by Kentucky's Ty Bryant (14) in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos from Oklahoma Sooners' 21-13 loss to Kentucky
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; The Sooner Schooner runs onto the field before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Sooners Wire Staff Predictions for Oklahoma vs. Mississippi State
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jake Kreul (98) and Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) tackle Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Kenny Minchey (3) during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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'Wouldn't change it': Brent Venables on Oklahoma's fake field goal
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners punter Jacob Ulrich (87) throws an interception while attempting a fake field goal during the second quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Ben Arbuckle emphasizes the importance of Oklahoma finishing drives
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) greets offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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How many years of eligibility does each OU player have remaining?
Oklahoma's Rocky Beers (81) makes a touchdown catch in front of Kentucky's Ty Bryant (14) in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 17, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Brent Venables on quarterback change: 'Everything's on the table'
Oct 17, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the first quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Bowe Bentley continues to impress with his development at Oklahoma
