There has been quite a bit of controversy on social media regarding Jalen Hurts. Oklahoma fans and Alabama fans are trying to claim Hurts to their program. As an Oklahoma fan, I feel as if I have been catching the crossfire in this debate. Some criticize “Oklahoma fans” as a blanket term, but there are some with sensibility and reasoning in this debate. So let’s settle this debate once and for all. Is Jalen Hurts an Alabama or Oklahoma quarterback?
Origin of Debate
One post on Twitter by David Cone, one of the hosts of Crain & Company on the Daily Wire, got a lot of engagement from fans trying to claim Hurts to their program. His post stated that Jalen Hurts is the first Alabama quarterback since Richard Todd to win an NFL playoff game.
Jalen Hurts is the first Alabama quarterback to win an NFL playoff game since Richard Todd led the Jets past the Raiders in the 1983. #NFLPlayoffs #Alabamafootball pic.twitter.com/4XQhx6JAuZ
— David Cone (@davidadamcone) January 22, 2023
Some Oklahoma fans are okay with David Cone’s statement in this tweet. I believe I am a part of the sane few. But, there was an abundance of Oklahoma fans who were infuriated by the post stating that he was an Oklahoma quarterback. There are a lot of arguments made to defend their position. On the contrary, the Sooners fans caused an uproar among some Alabama fans. They stated that Alabama made Hurts into the quarterback that he is.
David was not wrong and never said which program has the claimed rights of Hurts. He simply stated that he was the first quarterback to play at Alabama, then go on to win an NFL playoff game. Both sides of the argument missed David’s point, but the question was still asked. Is Jalen Hurts an Alabama or Oklahoma quarterback?
Alabama’s Argument
Those claiming Jalen Hurts as an Alabama quarterback have fair arguments. He did play three seasons with the Tide going on to win SEC Championships with the team. Hurts also won Offensive Player of the Year as a freshman playing for Alabama.
The best season Hurts had at Alabama was probably his freshman year. He threw for 2,780 yards, along with 23 touchdowns. This all came from 382 attempts and a 63 percent completion percentage.
Another argument from Alabama fans is that he graduated from their school. Jalen Hurts has a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Alabama. This doesn’t seem like it holds a lot of weight in a football discussion, but it is an argument made.
Oklahoma’s Argument
We have the Oklahoma fanbase on the side that has been most passionate about the subject. They started most of this debate claiming that Jalen Hurts is not an Alabama quarterback and should not be claimed as such.
Among the arguments made, the most compelling is that Jalen Hurts finished at Oklahoma. He was benched behind Tua Tagovailoa at Alabama, which led to the decision to become a grad transfer at Oklahoma. If Hurts had not made this move, he might not have been drafted as a quarterback, if at all, in the NFL.
Lincoln Riley can definitely take some credit for aiding Hurts in his progression as a passer and playmaker. Jalen Hurts’ best season in college was his senior year at Oklahoma, without a doubt.
Hurts threw for 3,851 yards in his senior year, along with 32 passing touchdowns. These impressive passing stats come from 340 attempts, 42 fewer attempts than his best passing season at Alabama.
On top of these improved passing stats, Jalen Hurts also rushed for 1,298 yards and added 20 more touchdowns on the ground. This was far better than any other year he had as a collegiate player.
Conclusion
So, we know that Hurts improved as a player at Oklahoma. The arguments also prove that without transferring to Oklahoma, Hurts may not have gotten this far in his career. Does this make him an Oklahoma quarterback?
The question at hand was given. Is Jalen Hurts an Alabama or Oklahoma quarterback? For all who are debating this question, stop the madness. Stop all of your arguing and fighting amongst yourselves. I have an answer that needs to settle the debate. He is a quarterback of both programs.
All of the arguments prove that both programs have contributed to the player and leader Jalen Hurts is today. Jalen Hurts is a rare example of a quarterback from multiple colleges with great success. Debate no more.
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