New Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is energizing fans with his confident approach and undeniable talent. Known for his “chip-on-his-shoulder mentality,” Mateer welcomes the challenge of the SEC and comparisons to former Sooners star Baker Mayfield.
Despite playing high school football in Texas, a hotbed for SEC recruiting, Mateer didn’t receive a single offer from the conference, including Oklahoma. He began his college journey at Central Arkansas before transferring to Washington State, where he emerged as one of the nation’s top dual-threat quarterbacks.
John Mateer Embraces SEC Challenge and Turns Heisman Pressure Into Motivation
The new Oklahoma quarterback is quickly becoming a presence in Norman, not just for his skills on the field but for how he connects with teammates. He recently joined senior defensive back Kendel Dolby for a 30-minute interview on Dolby’s new YouTube show, where the two discussed Mateer’s journey and goals for the 2025 season.
“It’s a new mountain to climb, building relationships and playing in the SEC,” Mateer told On3. “Pressure is a term that’s whatever you make it… It’s an opportunity. I get a stage to show people who I am… Pressure can eat you up. I don’t let it get to me.”
Mateer acknowledged the comparisons to former OU star Baker Mayfield, adding,
“There are comparisons to Baker (Mayfield) and the Heisman and all that, which is cool. But winning games is the ultimate goal.”
Coming out of Little Elm High School in Texas, Mateer received minimal attention from major programs.
“It pissed me off, it really did,” he said. “I was a two-star recruit and then I signed with Washington State it brought me to a three-star. So right when that happened, I knew it was all BS. Stars don’t mean anything. For anyone watching this, stars don’t mean anything. They’re cute, but they don’t mean anything.”
Mateer discussed his time at Washington State, where he developed under offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle—now at Oklahoma—and learned by observing Cam Ward, the 2025 NFL Draft’s top overall pick.
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“I mean, obviously he’s really good,” Mateer said of Ward. “I got to appreciate Cam and his greatness.”
ESPN analyst Greg McElroy ranked Mateer No. 2 among all SEC quarterbacks for 2025, ahead of LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier (No. 5), South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers (No. 7), Florida’s DJ Lagway (No. 9), and Texas’ Arch Manning (unranked). McElroy added, “His skillset does remind me of a slightly more run-heavy Baker Mayfield.”
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