Lincoln Riley Insists Jalen Hurts Hasn't Earned Oklahoma Starting QB Job Yet

Knowing he would fail to surpass Tua Tagovailoa for Alabama's first-string quarterback, Jalen Hurts opted to transfer to Oklahoma in order to become the Sooners starter in 2019.

Hurts put together a 26-2 record as a starter for the Crimson Tide but Sooners skipper Lincoln Riley doesn't exactly plan to give out the No.1 QB job to Jalen just because he was significantly successful under center in his past.

Speaking at the Big 12 media days at AT&T Stadium, Riley said, "He's gotta win the job first. If he wins the job, then we'll talk about that."

The 35-year-old HC also acknowledged that Tanner Mordecai or or true freshman Spencer Rattler -- who just so happens to be ESPN's top-ranked dual-threat gun slinger in the 2019 class -- have a chance to be rewarded with the nod.

"One of them's got to go win it," Riley continued. "We've got an interesting dynamic in there with Jalen as an older, more experienced guy that's been through a lot of battles, and we've got some very young, talented players in there with a chance to make a name for themselves..."

During two-plus seasons as Alabama's starting QB Hurts completed 62.9% of his passes while throwing for 48 touchdowns and running for another 23.

Again, we'd be surprised if Jalen didn't win the job but Riley would be foolish to just hand out starting positions like Oprah Winfrey providing gifts to her audience.

What better way to get the best out of Hurts than a legitimate, arduous competition? May the best man win.