Brent Venables could save his job at Oklahoma this season, and it might come down to what quarterback John Mateer does on the field.
The Washington State transfer is carrying the hopes of turning around the Sooners’ fortunes in 2025. On3 analyst JD PicKell thinks Oklahoma is positioned for a breakthrough year.
“You put up those numbers, I’m impressed, and that’s got to translate in some shape or form in competitions. So, as I said, the schedule for Oklahoma and the QB matchups they have, I think it’s very, very sneaky that Oklahoma is going to have an advantage in a lot of those games,” PicKell said on his podcast.
The analyst’s confidence stems from Oklahoma’s manageable schedule.
Arizona, Temple, Auburn, BYU, and LSU represent some of the easier matchups for the Sooners this season. Even against tougher opponents, PicKell believes Mateer will hold his own.
That includes a showdown with Texas and their quarterback Arch Manning.
“Arch Manning, I think he’s going to be really good. I think Arch Manning is going to be awesome but there’s nothing there for me as of right now from a body of work standpoint to put Arch Manning ahead of John Mateer,” PicKell said.
The Sooners will face South Carolina’s DJ Lagway right after the Manning matchup. That game represents one of the trickiest tests on Oklahoma’s schedule.
A trip to Knoxville against Tennessee follows. PicKell expects Mateer to come out ahead in that battle too.
Another major test awaits in Tuscaloosa against Alabama’s starter, whoever Kalen DeBoer names.
The quarterback battles will determine whether Venables keeps his job. How well Mateer performs against elite competition could decide the coach’s future in Norman.
Oklahoma opens the season against Arizona on August 30.
