NORMAN, OK – June 13, 2025 – In a stunning turn of events that underscores the rising value of top offensive minds in college football, Oklahoma Sooners Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach Ben Arbuckle has reportedly turned down a staggering $12 million offer from the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The highly sought-after play-caller, who only joined the Sooners in December 2024, has reaffirmed his commitment to Head Coach Brent Venables’ staff, a decision that sends a clear message about the trajectory of the Oklahoma program and Nebraska’s continued search for offensive revitalization.
The audacious offer from Lincoln highlights Nebraska’s aggressive pursuit of a transformative offensive coordinator, particularly after a 2024 season that saw them finish with a 7-6 record, punctuated by a late-season offensive slump despite securing their first bowl appearance in eight years. Under Head Coach Matt Rhule, the Cornhuskers had previously brought in veteran Dana Holgorsen as offensive coordinator in November 2024, signaling a desire for immediate impact. However, the reported pursuit of Arbuckle, and the substantial sum involved, suggests that Nebraska’s offensive concerns run deep, and they were willing to pay a premium for a younger, innovative mind.
Ben Arbuckle, at just 29 years old, has swiftly ascended the coaching ranks, earning a reputation as one of college football’s brightest offensive architects. His journey to Norman is a testament to his rapid rise. Before joining the Sooners, Arbuckle spent two impactful seasons as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Washington State (2023-2024). During his tenure there, he orchestrated an offense that ranked 12th nationally in scoring (36.8 points per game) in 2024 and was fourth nationally in passing offense (336.8 yards per game) in 2023. This impressive performance marked a significant improvement from the Cougars’ offensive output before his arrival.
Prior to Washington State, Arbuckle was instrumental in developing the high-flying offense at Western Kentucky. In 2022, serving as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, he helped the Hilltoppers finish second nationally in passing yards and 15th in scoring. Notably, he mentored quarterback Austin Reed to a nation-leading 4,746 passing yards that season. His earlier stint as a quality control coach at WKU in 2021 also saw him contribute to an offense that led the nation in passing and finished second in total offense, guiding quarterback Bailey Zappe to break FBS single-season records for passing yards and touchdowns.
Arbuckle’s coaching philosophy, as he has articulated, is personnel-driven. He adapts his schemes to maximize the strengths of his players, a flexible approach that has yielded consistent explosive results across different programs. This adaptability and his track record of developing quarterbacks were undoubtedly key factors in Nebraska’s aggressive overtures.
For the Oklahoma Sooners, Arbuckle’s decision to remain in Norman is a massive victory and a powerful vote of confidence in Brent Venables’ vision for the program. The Sooners are preparing for a critical transition into the SEC, a move that demands elite coaching and consistent offensive production. Retaining an innovative offensive mind like Arbuckle, especially after a reported eight-figure offer from a rival Big Ten program, signals stability and an appealing environment for top coaching talent.
“My commitment is to Oklahoma,” Arbuckle stated in a brief comment to local media, opting not to address the specifics of the Nebraska offer directly. “Coach Venables has an incredible plan in place, and I am fully invested in building something special here as we enter the SEC. The players, the staff, the university, and Sooner Nation have welcomed me, and I believe in what we are doing.”
The implications of this decision are far-reaching. For Nebraska, the search for a permanent and impactful offensive leader continues, highlighting the challenges of rebuilding a program to its former glory in the fiercely competitive college football landscape. The Cornhuskers, under Matt Rhule, are striving to regain their footing, and securing an elite offensive coordinator is a crucial piece of that puzzle. The reported $12 million offer is a stark indicator of their determination and the premium placed on offensive innovation in today’s game.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma can breathe a sigh of relief, retaining a coach who has quickly proven his ability to elevate offenses and develop quarterbacks. As the Sooners navigate their debut in the SEC, the continuity and creative play-calling that Arbuckle brings will be invaluable. His decision to prioritize the growth and potential of the Oklahoma program over a massive financial incentive from a historic rival speaks volumes about the culture being built in Norman.
This coaching saga serves as a vivid reminder of the high stakes and intense competition within college football’s coaching carousel. As programs battle for every advantage, the ability to attract and retain top talent, both on the field and in the coaching booth, becomes paramount. Ben Arbuckle’s choice reaffirms Oklahoma’s rising appeal and leaves Nebraska to recalibrate its offensive leadership strategy in a crucial period for the Cornhuskers. The college football world will be watching closely to see the long-term impact of this pivotal decision.
