The Washington State Cougars’ West Coast schedule often kept John Mateer’s 2024 brilliance under the radar for much of the country. However, with the standout QB expected to hit the transfer portal, his talents could take center stage in 2025.
Where Will John Mateer Transfer?
After leading the Cougars to their best season since 2018 (8-4), many believed Mateer would parlay his success into an opportunity with a Power Four contender.
Those beliefs were expanded when Washington State offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle left for the same role with the Oklahoma Sooners.
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Mateer threw for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns while rushing for another 826 yards and 15 scores in 2024. He finished fifth nationally in total individual offensive production, averaging over 330 yards per game.
Will Mateer follow Arbuckle and bring his talents to Norman, Okla., or will a dark horse secure the redshirt sophomore’s services?
Oklahoma Sooners
Arbuckle isn’t the only former Wazzu assistant leaving for Oklahoma, as QBs coach John Kuceyeski also made the leap. Those are the two coaches Mateer likely had the closest relationships with.
Of course, the move makes all the sense familiarity and need-wise, as the Sooners lost Jackson Arnold to the Auburn Tigers, and true freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. was benched midseason.
However, there’s little for Mateer to like in the pass-catching department, with WRs Nic Anderson, Jalil Farooq, Andrel Anthony, Brenen Thompson, J.J. Hester, Jaquaize Pettaway, and TE Bauer Sharp in the portal.
Miami Hurricanes
The start of a pipeline?
Mateer just saw what one Washington State QB transfer did with the Miami Hurricanes in Cam Ward. Not only did he end the year as a Heisman finalist, but he greatly improved his NFL Draft stock. Why not attempt to do the same thing with OC Shannon Dawson calling the plays?
Vanderbilt Commodores
Diego Pavia was a revelation for the Vanderbilt Commodores, but unless his lawsuit against the NCAA results in an extra year of eligibility, he’ll be gone next season. OC Tim Beck and offensive consultant Jerry Kill would love to replace him with yet another dual-threat in Mateer.
Vanderbilt offers the Texas native a chance to compete in the SEC while moving closer to home.
Michigan Wolverines
The Michigan Wolverines will be linked to nearly every transfer QB worth their salt. They just hired former North Carolina Tar Heels OC Chip Lindsey, who’d love to work with Mateer, as he has shades of Drake Maye in his game.
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The Wolverines also earned a commitment from 2025 five-star QB Bryce Underwood, and Mateer’s addition would allow the true freshman a year or two of honing his craft.
Alabama Crimson Tide
With Jalen Milroe likely departing for the NFL Draft, the Alabama Crimson Tide will need a new starting signal-caller.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer is a QB savant and could provide Mateer with an even higher ceiling, while Mateer offers an even higher floor for the program. Additionally, the “Mateer to Ryan Williams” connection would eviscerate defenses.
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