NORMAN, Okla. — Oklahoma and Auburn open their SEC season Saturday in a big clash as Jackson Arnold returns to his former home looking to upend a promising start to the Sooners’ year.

No. 11 Oklahoma (3-0) enters its second year in the conference with much higher expectations after an early season win against Michigan. The Sooners have been sparked by an overnight success on offense, led by transfer quarterback John Mateer and coordinator Ben Arbuckle, who stepped in to replace the old guard that was once led on the field by Arnold. 

Nearly one year to the day after Arnold was benched during a horrid start to his career as the Sooners’ starter, he returns to Owen Field with an undefeated record at Auburn and a big road win at Baylor under his belt. Arnold and OU’s Brent Venables maintain that there is no bad blood after a rocky 2024 season that included Arnold’s benching and the coaches reinserting him as a starter later In the year, but emotions will certainly be running high Saturday afternoon. 

When the breakup was official in December, OU went shopping in the transfer portal to overhaul the offense and fill holes on defense. No. 22 Auburn (3-0) did the same in the offseason, bringing in Arnold and Georgia Tech receiver Eric Singleton Jr. to spark a team that needed a more balanced attack. 

Who emerges as the winner and improves their stock after returning to the national spotlight in the first month of the 2025 season?

Keep it locked here with CBS Sports for live updates, highlights and analysis as Oklahoma battles Auburn in a marquee Week 4 showdown.Â