John Mateer, the standout quarterback from Washington State, has officially announced his commitment to the Oklahoma Sooners, a decision that has stirred excitement among fans and analysts alike. This marks a significant transition for the young athlete, who has emerged as the top player in the transfer portal according to ESPN’s rankings. After a remarkable breakout season in 2024, where he took the reins as the starter for the Cougars, Mateer will now don the crimson and cream, bringing with him two years of eligibility that could reshape the Sooners’ offensive landscape.
Mateer’s collegiate journey has not been typical; he initially committed to play at the FCS level with Central Arkansas but was offered a lifeline by Washington State just before the 2022 season. This late recruitment may have seemed like an afterthought, but it turned out to be a pivotal moment in Mateer’s career. After two years of bench time behind Cam Ward, he finally showcased his abilities as a starting quarterback, throwing for over 3,100 yards and amassing an impressive 29 touchdowns while completing 65% of his passes. Such statistics are not just numbers; they illustrate Mateer’s dual-threat capability, where he also made a significant impact on the ground with over 800 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.
Oklahoma’s coaching changes have set the stage for Mateer’s recruitment. The hiring of offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and quarterbacks coach John Kuceyeski provides a seamless transition for Mateer, who is expected to thrive under their guidance. This synergy is vital for a quarterback of Mateer’s caliber, particularly in a time of transition for the Sooners. The program has recently witnessed a wave of player departures, including starting quarterback Jackson Arnold’s decision to transfer to Auburn, highlighting the urgency for a player like Mateer to fill this gap.
Mateer’s arrival comes at a critical juncture for Oklahoma, especially after a disappointing 2024 campaign in which the team struggled in its inaugural SEC season. The Sooners finished with a 6-6 record and a dismal ranking of 94th nationally in scoring offense, averaging a mere 24.3 points per game, their worst performance in over two decades. Brent Venables, the head coach, is banking on Mateer’s prowess to revolutionize a stagnant offense and restore Oklahoma to its competitive glory within the SEC.
Nonetheless, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. While Mateer’s statistics from the previous season paint a picture of success, the elite competition in the SEC will demand elevation in his performance. Transitioning from a Group of 5 program to one of the premier conferences in college football is a significant leap that requires adaptability and resilience. The pressure to perform will be immense, as the Oklahoma fanbase eagerly anticipates a return to national prominence.
Compounding this issue is the fact that Oklahoma has not only changed considerably at the coaching and player levels but has also had to navigate the complexities of the transfer portal landscape. With Mateer entering the fray amidst a turbulent period marked by recent coaching moves—including the firing of offensive coordinator Seth Littrell—it remains to be seen how quickly he will mesh with the rest of the team and the new offensive system.
Despite these inevitable hurdles, the excitement surrounding Mateer’s commitment is palpable. He is heralded not just for his on-field talent but for his potential impact on recruiting and inspiring future players. Coach Jake Dickert at Washington State captured the sentiment well, heralding Mateer’s arrival into the transfer portal as a cause for significant buzz: “John will be the most sought-after player in the portal,” he remarked, underscoring Mateer’s potential to captivate audiences and dominate in the college football sphere.
Oklahoma’s acquisition of John Mateer is more than just a recruitment—it’s a statement of intent. With a wealth of experience and a storied past behind him, Mateer carries the hopes and expectations of a program eager to revitalize its offensive capabilities. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as he begins this new chapter in his football career, poised to make waves in a highly competitive environment. The 2025 season promises to be filled with anticipation, ambition, and a renewed sense of hope for Oklahoma football.