Trevor Knight Is The Oklahoma Starting Quarterback, But Competition Continues

Jul 23, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops announced Trevor Knight is the Oklahoma starting quarterback. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Bob Stoops named redshirt freshman Trevor Knight the Oklahoma starting quarterback on Thursday, per the university’s official athletic site, SoonerSports.com.

While Knight will lead the Sooner offense initially against Louisiana-Monroe come Week 1, the quarterback competition is far from over. Stoops explains:

"“Both Trevor and Blake (Bell) have competed hard and both will be ready to play against Louisiana-Monroe,” Stoops said. “Like every other position on our team, I expect them both to continue competing for the starting job.”"

Now, Stoops says both will be ready to face ULM, without going so far as to promise playing time for both. Ryan Aber of The Oklahoman wrote earlier this week that a platoon was “a last resort.”

However, Stoops having both prepared to play on Aug. 31, physically and mentally, explains his delay in formally announcing a starter.

The process of finding a replacement for four-year starter Landry Jones has been among the more exhaustive of this college football off-season. A new starter last led OU on Sept. 12, 2009, when Jones spelled injured Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford.

Bell’s two years contributing as a goal line and short yardage quarterback made him a prohibitive favorite entering spring practice, but could never pull away from Knight.

As noted in the coaches’ quarterback strategy column linked above, Knight’s emergence as the starter could have important long-term impact, with celebrated newcomer Cody Thomas waiting in the wings. Knight has four years of eligibility beginning this season, whereas Bell has just two.

Meanwhile, the veteran Bell could play his way back into the first string. If he doesn’t without redshirting, he’ll have just one year of eligibility remaining.

The situation bears a striking resemblance to rival Oklahoma State’s own quarterback competition a year ago. Freshman Wes Lunt initially beat out fellow youngster J.W. Walsh, as well as veteran Clint Chelf. But injuries and various other struggles opened the door for Chelf to finish the year.

Lunt since left the program, but Chelf and Walsh are again jockeying for the job this season. Head coach Mike Gundy is playing both against Mississippi State, per NFL.com’s Dan Greenspan.