Oklahoma has landed Washington State transfer quarterback John Mateer to replace Jackson Arnold, who transferred to Auburn ahead of the 2025 season.
Mateer ranks as the No. 2 quarterback behind Miami’s Carson Beck and the No. 5 overall transfer in the winter portal cycle, according to 247Sports. The quarterback comes with a reported $2.7 million NIL valuation, per On3.
Head coach Brent Venables is betting on Mateer to help turn around the program’s fortunes. Venables has posted just one winning season in his three years at Oklahoma, going 10-3 in 2023 sandwiched between two 6-7 campaigns.
The 2025 season could determine Venables’ future in Norman.
Early reports from spring practice suggest Mateer is making a strong impression.
“Nobody is tippy-toeing around John Mateer being a dog,” On3’s J.D. PicKell said. “Everyone in Norman is like, ‘Yeah, he’s a dude, man. He’s an absolute baller. We’re going to be in good shape with him pulling the trigger. Everything else, we’ll see how it translates, but we feel good about John Mateer.'”
Mateer established himself as one of college football’s premier dual-threat quarterbacks last season. He finished 10th nationally in total yards (3,965) and accounted for 44 total touchdowns.
Oklahoma’s entire offense scored just 38 touchdowns in 2024 while ranking 97th nationally in scoring (24 points per game).
The Sooners’ 2025 transfer portal class ranks No. 15 nationally according to 247Sports, with Mateer as the centerpiece. Venables has also added four wide receivers and three tight ends from the portal, though none rated higher than three stars.
The coaching staff hopes Mateer can elevate the surrounding talent – something Arnold struggled with during his single season as starter.
Oklahoma will have another opportunity to add players when the spring transfer portal window opens April 16 as the program prepares for its second SEC season.
