The quarterback position is the heart of any football team. One change at that spot can make or break an entire season. That’s why Brent Venables’ decision to bring in John Mateer for Oklahoma drew some criticism, particularly from an anonymous SEC coach who deemed it a risky move.
However, insiders are stepping up to defend the choice. They say Mateer isn’t just a good option — he’s an upgrade. CFB analyst J.D. PicKell challenged the entire narrative. He said Venables’ decision to bring in Mateer might be the smartest move Oklahoma has made in years.
J.D. PicKell Backs John Mateer as Oklahoma’s Future QB Amid SEC Coach Doubts
Oklahoma Sooners coach Brent Venables is under serious pressure right now. Last season, the team finished with a disappointing 6-7 record. That knocked them out of major conference contention.
On top of that, they were trying to transition from the Big 12 to the SEC—a move that didn’t go well under Venables’ watch. Now, many believe this could be his make-or-break year.
Brent Venables raved about new #Sooners quarterback John Mateer in Destin.
“John, he’s incredibly talented, but some of his best talents are his leadership, he’s got tremendous football IQ, and there’s no limits on him mentally or physically.”https://t.co/NqBh8ej2wG pic.twitter.com/K808eydJjf
— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) May 28, 2025
However, speaking on the On3 Podcast, J.D. PicKell made his stance clear on Venables’ defense. Say what you want about Jackson Arnold. Say what you want about Michael Hawkins Jr., John Mateer is an upgrade,” he said. “And that’s not just hype—we’ve been on the Mateer train for a while.”
He continued, “What’s the gamble here? From a talent perspective, I don’t think so. Due to a kind of over 44 touchdowns last year, dude who was arguably the best quarterback in the transfer portal, depending on how you feel about Carson Beck, I don’t think so.”
The Sooners’ quarterback situation became a hot topic after last season’s rough finish in the SEC. Now with Mateer taking over, Venables is hoping for a fast rebound.
J.D. explained further, “Was it a gamble that you put in with the same offensive coordinator and quarterback coach that he had that production with at Washington State? Doesn’t feel like a gamble to me. Feels like a pretty safe bet. Feels like a relatively as sure thing as you can have a view of the poor with the new offensive staff.”
Oklahoma fans are holding on to hope. Their offense ranked 98th in scoring last season. With Mateer under center, they believe the team finally has a leader who can bring consistency.
The CFB analyst wrapped up his thoughts with a bold take.
“Think about it this way, if you didn’t bring in John Mateer, you brought somebody else in, you’re gambling. They can not just play in the SEC whoever they are.”
Whether Venables’ gamble pays off remains to be seen, but for now, PicKell and others are confident that Mateer is the right choice for Oklahoma.
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