The Oklahoma Sooners are determined to turn the page after an underwhelming offensive season, and they may have found their answer in quarterback recruit John Mateer. He racked up 4,000 yards through the air and on the ground, along with 44 touchdowns in 2024.
Mateer has already made his presence felt in spring training, showcasing strong leadership and command of the offense. His early impact has fueled excitement among Sooners fans, raising hopes that Oklahoma could seriously push for a College Football Playoff spot and rise through the SEC ranks in 2025.
John Mateer Sheds Light on Committing to Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s defense remains a formidable force despite key departures from last season. The Sooners lost impact players like Danny Stutsman, Billy Bowman, Ethan Downs, DaJon Terry, and Woodi Washington, but they wasted no time reloading. With a wave of four and five-star recruits stepping in, the unit looks poised to maintain its strength heading into 2025.
With Brent Venables now calling the shots on defense, the Sooners could be even more dangerous on that side of the ball.
The Sooners’ offense looks to be in steady hands with Mateer at the helm. He has already displayed a well-rounded skill set, which former Oklahoma QB Jackson Arnold, now at Auburn, struggled to refine. Mateer did not hold back during a press conference, expressing his excitement and confidence about leading the Sooners in the upcoming season.
“It’s all pretty surreal. I mean, I’m the quarterback of Oklahoma Sooners, it’s wild. But I’m here, and I feel blessed to do it, and it’s close to home, which is great,” Mateer said. “My family loves it, obviously, because I’m so close.”
It’s still surreal to John Mateer that he’s a quarterback at Oklahoma.
“I mean I’m a quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners. It’s wild. But I’m here and blessed to do it.” pic.twitter.com/aPTWfLfZbv
— The REF (@KREFsports) March 5, 2025
“But I mean, it goes back to the expectations and the pressure. I think it’s just a privilege and opportunity to be here and work as hard as I can with all the resources I have and the great teammates I have around me to just put my best performance on the field,” he added.
Defensively, the Sooners held their ground last season, allowing just 13 points per game in SEC matchups. Oklahoma could compete and emerge as a serious contender for the national championship if he delivers.
Mateer Doesn’t Have Any Interest in Heisman Trophy
Before arriving in Norman, Mateer spent three seasons with the Washington State Cougars, where he built a reputation as a dynamic dual-threat quarterback. His final season was nothing short of electric, racking up 3,139 passing yards with 29 touchdowns, adding 826 rushing yards and 15 scores on the ground.
Many believed that if Mateer had played elsewhere, his name would already be in the Heisman conversation.
Now, with the spotlight on him at Oklahoma, his path to the prestigious trophy is more apparent than ever. A Heisman campaign in 2025 could be within reach if he replicates his past performances. However, his focus remains on leading the Sooners to championship contention.
“I don’t think about it every day,” Mateer told On3’s George Stoia III of Oklahoma’s Heisman history. “I want to win games, and if you win a lot of games, that could happen. … That’d be cool, but I want to win games.”
KEEP READING: ‘Something Different About That’ – John Mateer’s Excitement Draws Rave Reviews From Oklahoma Greats
With Mateer now at the helm, the Sooners aim to reclaim their past dominance and make a serious run in the SEC. The hype surrounding him is undeniable, but the real test lies ahead.
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