Washington State University (WSU) is once again on the lookout for a new offensive coordinator after news broke that Ben Arbuckle, the Cougars’ second-year OC, will be heading to the SEC to join the Oklahoma Sooners. Arbuckle’s move to Norman was confirmed by Pete Nakos of On3 Sports, marking a significant step in the career of a coach who helped reshape WSU’s offense and played a key role in the development of quarterback Cam Ward into a Heisman contender.
Arbuckle’s career trajectory has been swift, and his influence at WSU, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, has been undeniable. Before his time at Washington State, Arbuckle spent a season as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Western Kentucky, where he helped guide quarterback Austin Reed to a brief stint with the Chicago Bears. His time at WSU, however, showcased his ability to elevate quarterback play to an even higher level.
A Legacy of Quarterback Development at WSU
When Arbuckle took the reins of WSU’s offense in 2022, he brought with him the signature air-raid style of offense that has become a hallmark of the Cougars’ identity. His work with quarterbacks has been particularly noteworthy, especially in his ability to develop and mentor young signal-callers. Under his tutelage, Cam Ward, a transfer from Incarnate Word, saw his stock rise dramatically, earning an NIL deal with Miami and positioning himself as a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate.
This season, Arbuckle helped guide quarterback John Mateer, who in his first year as a starter, threw for over 3,100 yards and 29 touchdowns while also adding 826 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground. Mateer’s breakout performance was one of the highlights of Washington State’s season, cementing Arbuckle’s reputation as one of the rising stars in the coaching ranks.
A New Challenge in the SEC
Now, Arbuckle takes the leap to one of college football’s most prestigious conferences, the Southeastern Conference (SEC), to join Oklahoma. The Sooners, who are in their second season in the SEC, struggled offensively in 2024, averaging just 24 points per game and throwing for only 167 yards per game. While the team posted a solid 10-3 record in 2023, their offense has clearly been a weak link in their bid to compete at the highest levels of college football.
Oklahoma will be hoping that Arbuckle’s expertise can turn things around in Norman and restore the Sooners’ offensive prowess to what it was during their Big 12 heyday. The addition of Arbuckle to Brent Venables’ staff signals a commitment to improving an offense that has been inconsistent since Oklahoma’s move to the SEC, where defensive battles are often the deciding factor in games.
Washington State Faces Coaching Shake-Up
Arbuckle’s departure is part of a larger shake-up in Pullman, as WSU also parted ways with defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding earlier this week. This leaves head coach Jake Dickert facing a challenge of rebuilding his coaching staff for the second time in three seasons. Losing both key coordinators could have a significant impact on the program as they move forward.
The timing of Arbuckle’s move leaves questions about whether any players will follow him to Oklahoma or if some might consider transferring away from WSU. In particular, it will be interesting to see how the Cougars’ quarterbacks and offensive players respond to this change in leadership. The ability to retain key players—especially on offense—will be crucial for Dickert as he looks to maintain WSU’s competitive edge in a tough Pac-12 conference, which will soon be undergoing major realignment.
Looking Ahead for WSU and Oklahoma
While the Sooners are hoping that Arbuckle’s offensive expertise will help them reclaim their former offensive glory, Washington State now finds itself at a crossroads. Head coach Jake Dickert will need to quickly find replacements for both his offensive and defensive coordinators as the 2024 offseason ramps up.
As for Arbuckle, this is a major opportunity to prove his mettle at one of the most storied programs in college football. His success at WSU has certainly turned heads, and now, as he takes on the challenge of revitalizing Oklahoma’s offense, it will be fascinating to see if he can continue his rapid rise through the coaching ranks.
For WSU, the loss of Arbuckle is a significant blow, but it also opens the door for fresh perspectives and new leadership in the coming seasons. The next chapter for the Cougars—and for Arbuckle—starts now.
