Oklahoma hauled in the No. 3 ranked player in the Transfer Portal this offseason in highly heralded quarterback John Mateer. Mateer spent his first three seasons of collegiate football at Washington State, where he totaled 3,406 passing yards, 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions in three seasons. He’ll now look to inject life into an Oklahoma quarterback position that […]
Oklahoma hauled in the No. 3 ranked player in the Transfer Portal this offseason in highly heralded quarterback John Mateer. Mateer spent his first three seasons of collegiate football at Washington State, where he totaled 3,406 passing yards, 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions in three seasons.
He’ll now look to inject life into an Oklahoma quarterback position that left a lot to be desired last season. NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay went into depth about his excitement for Mateer and the Oklahoma offense this season on the latest edition of “The McShay Show.”
“John Mateer from Oklahoma we’ve talked about. He’s a day two (of the NFL Draft) grade and is just freaking fun to watch on tape man,” McShay said. “Mechanics are a disaster and he has legs like a fullback, so none of it makes sense except the result.”
“The result is a beautiful thing. He just rips the ball and just snaps his wrist and he’s just like one of those gamers. He’s competitive. I just love this guy and I’m excited to see him at Oklahoma. Same coordinator. New place. That offense needed more than a jolt, they needed like a defibrillator.”
Mateer could kickstart what was a dormant OU offense last season
The Sooners totaled just 331.0 YPG (14th in SEC), 2,286 passing yards (15th in SEC) and 24.0 PPG (15th in SEC) last season, resulting in a sluggish offensive output and a disappointing 6-7 season. With Mateer behind center however, 2025 could mark a major bounce back season for the Oklahoma program.
“I can’t think of a better combo than (John) Mateer and (running back Jaydn) Ott for an offense that was struggling,” McShay said. “Not only is [Mateer] really talented and successful and competitive, he’s just a blast to watch. Every single play. You have no idea.”
Along with the shiny new quarterback, Oklahoma upgraded its offensive output in a big way by bringing in former First Team All-Pac 12 running back Jadyn Ott from California and former Arkansas-Pine Bluff wide receiver and 2024 Second Team FCS All-American Javonnie Gibson.
“I mean, they’re all real good,” Mateer said about his weapons on offense. “If I look to this side of the field I’ve got somebody to go to. If I look here, beside me, in front of me they’re everywhere. It’s pretty dangerous when you’ve got weapons everywhere and we all trust each other and we’re gonna get to the point where we really trust each other.”
Oklahoma opens its 2025 season at home on Aug. 30 against Illinois State. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM on ESPN+/SEC Network+. The Sooners are 3-0 in season opener’s under head coach Brent Venables, with all three wins coming against non-power conference opponents (UTEP in 2022, Arkansas State in 2023 and Temple in 2024).
Category: General Sports
