Ben Arbuckle, at just 29 years old, has rapidly ascended the ranks of college football coaching. In December 2024, he was appointed as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the University of Oklahoma Sooners. This move came after a successful tenure at Washington State University, where he revitalized the Cougars’ offense. His appointment marks a new chapter for the Sooners, aiming to restore their offensive prowess.
Early Life and Playing Career
Born on September 15, 1995, in Wichita Falls, Texas, Ben Arbuckle grew up in the small town of Canadian. He attended Canadian High School, where he showcased his football talents as the starting quarterback. During his high school career, he amassed over 7,500 passing yards and 95 touchdown passes, setting the stage for his future in football.
Initially, Arbuckle intended to play college football at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). However, he decided to step away from the game for a period. Later, he enrolled at West Texas A&M University and joined the Buffaloes football team after a two-year hiatus. As a junior, he started seven games, passing for 1,241 yards and 15 touchdowns. Despite competing for the starting quarterback position in his senior season, he was not named the starter.
Coaching Journey
Houston Baptist University (2018–2019)
Arbuckle began his coaching career as an offensive quality control assistant at Houston Baptist University. During this time, he worked alongside offensive coordinator Zach Kittley, contributing to the development of the team’s offensive strategies. Notably, he played a role in mentoring quarterback Bailey Zappe, who later set single-season FBS records for passing yards and touchdowns.
Seminole High School, Texas (2020)
In 2020, Arbuckle took on the role of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Seminole High School in Seminole, Texas. This position allowed him to further hone his coaching skills and implement offensive systems at the high school level.
Western Kentucky University (2021–2022)
Arbuckle’s next move was to Western Kentucky University, where he joined as an offensive quality control staffer. In 2021, he contributed to an offense that led the nation in passing yards per game and ranked second in total offense and scoring. The team’s success was highlighted by quarterback Bailey Zappe’s record-breaking performance. In 2022, Arbuckle was promoted to co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He served as the primary play-caller, leading the Hilltoppers to finish second nationally in passing yards per game and seventh in total offense.
Washington State University (2023–2024)
In January 2023, at the age of 27, Arbuckle was hired as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Washington State University. This appointment made him the youngest Power 5 primary coordinator in the country at the time. During his tenure, he oversaw an offense that ranked 12th nationally in scoring, averaging 36.8 points per game. The team’s performance included impressive statistics in passing efficiency and total offense.
Appointment at Oklahoma
On December 2, 2024, Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables announced that Ben Arbuckle would be the new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Sooners. This decision followed the dismissal of former offensive coordinator Seth Littrell. Arbuckle’s appointment was seen as a strategic move to rejuvenate an Oklahoma offense that had underperformed in the previous season. His experience and success at Washington State were key factors in his selection.
Contract and Salary
Following his appointment, the Oklahoma Board of Regents approved a three-year contract for Arbuckle, running through January 31, 2028. The contract stipulates an annual salary of $1.5 million, making him one of the highest-paid offensive coordinators in college football. This salary places him among the top earners in the Southeastern Conference, reflecting Oklahoma’s commitment to investing in its football program. Additionally, the contract includes a $90,000 incentive bonus if the Sooners win the national championship. SI
Coaching Philosophy and Expectations
Arbuckle is known for his innovative offensive strategies, particularly his implementation of the Air Raid offense. At Washington State, he developed a high-powered passing game that ranked among the nation’s best. His approach emphasizes quick, efficient throws and spreading the field to create mismatches. At Oklahoma, he aims to revitalize the Sooners’ offense by integrating these principles while adapting to the team’s strengths.
The Sooners’ offense in the previous season had struggled, ranking 97th in scoring and 124th in yards per play. With Arbuckle’s leadership, there is optimism that the team can return to its high-scoring ways. His track record at Washington State and Western Kentucky provides a strong foundation for success.
Personal Life
Outside of football, Arbuckle is known for his humble beginnings and work ethic. During his early coaching days, he famously worked as an Uber Eats driver to supplement his income. This experience reflects his dedication and passion for the game, qualities that have endeared him to colleagues and players alike.
Conclusion
Ben Arbuckle’s journey from a high school quarterback in Canadian, Texas, to the offensive coordinator at the University of Oklahoma is a testament to his talent, determination, and innovative approach to football. With a proven track record and a fresh perspective, he is poised to lead the Sooners back to prominence in college football. As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on Arbuckle and the Oklahoma offense to see how they perform under his guidance.
