Spring practice at Oklahoma is heating up. Fresh from Washington State, new quarterback John Mateer is finding his flow in his new home. He’s also discovering the relentless energy of head coach Brent Venables, who is now doubling as defensive coordinator. The Sooners’ defense, paired with Venables’ leadership, is pushing Mateer to his limits, and he’s loving it.
John Mateer Being Pushed to the Edge by Brent Venables
Mateer entered the Oklahoma practice field with experience from the Pac-12 and beyond. He faced teams like Washington and Oregon State. But the Sooners’ defense, ranked 19th nationally last year in the SEC, is a different beast. “Now, there was some intensity at Washington State. I’ll give them that…But yeah, it’s intense.” Mateer said in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated.
As John Mateer Settles In, He’s Learning About Brent Venables’ Famous Intensity.
“I talk a little smack to him and he doesn’t even say it back. It’s fun.”
✍️ @johnehoover | #BoomerSoonerhttps://t.co/fIrzz3VIZH
— Sooner Gridiron (@ouvstheworld) March 27, 2025
The source of this intensity for John Mateer is Brent Venables. After Zac Alley’s unexpected exit to West Virginia, Venables took the reins of the defense. His presence is impossible to ignore.
“He’s very smart. He knows exactly how it needs to be against every look, against every motion.” Venables hovers close, sometimes too close. Mateer grinned, recalling, “Sometimes he’ll stand, like, right next to me and I’m like, ‘Dude, I need some room.” Sometimes, Mateer fires back with light trash talk, “I talk a little smack to him and he doesn’t even say it back.”
The Sooners’ defense thrives under Venables’ daily guidance. He breaks down film, designs blitzes, and calls signals with precision. Players feel the boost. Safety Robert Spears-Jennings says his planning hypes him up. Linebacker Kobie McKinzie sees the bigger picture. He believes playing for a national championship-winning coach is a no-brainer.
The results show on the field. Mateer noticed the talent, from the defensive line to the secondary. Every snap demands perfection. Every missed throw is intercepted. “It builds confidence,” Mateer admitted, relishing the challenge.
Venables took over the defense because he excels at it. He trusts his staff, but he’s the one steering the ship. For Mateer, it’s an adjustment. Venables’ voice never leaves him alone, even during midplay, directing the defense. Mateer finds it amusing, even if it wears on him.
However, he’s learning fast, and communication with his offensive line is sharper now. The back-and-forth with this elite defense keeps practice competitive. “Playing against good football is fun football,” he said.
Off the field, Venables faces pressure. Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy floated a wild idea: a spring home-and-home series with the Sooners. It’s a nod to the historic “Bedlam” rivalry. Gundy suggested charging $25 per ticket, splitting the profits for NIL funds. The NCAA currently bans cross-conference practice games. But with spring cancellations rising, rules might bend.
KEEP READING: John Mateer Shares His Honest Feelings About Joining Oklahoma
A win in this hypothetical matchup could ease the heat on Venables in 2025. Mateer’s focus stays on the practice field, dodging blitzes and Venables’ screams.
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