The Oklahoma Sooners are betting big on transfer quarterback John Mateer to restore the program’s championship aspirations after three inconsistent seasons under head coach Brent Venables.
Since Lincoln Riley’s departure to USC following the 2021 season, Oklahoma has struggled to maintain its Big 12 dominance. The Sooners posted 6-7 records in 2022 and 2024, with a promising 10-3 campaign in 2023 providing the lone bright spot.
Venables is focusing on developing defensive talent while turning to the transfer portal for offensive firepower.
The additions of running back Jaydn Ott and quarterback John Mateer have generated significant buzz heading into Oklahoma’s second SEC season. Both players are expected to use their time in Norman to boost their NFL Draft stock.
Former Alabama QB compares Mateer to Baker Mayfield
Every quarterback who arrives in Norman faces inevitable comparisons to Baker Mayfield, whose 2017 Heisman Trophy season and subsequent No. 1 NFL Draft selection set the program’s modern standard.
Kyler Murray matched those expectations, winning the Heisman and becoming the top pick in 2019. Jalen Hurts continued his development before reaching the NFL. Caleb Williams showed flashes of greatness before following Riley to USC.
Spencer Rattler and Dillon Gabriel found more success after transferring elsewhere. Jackson Arnold struggled in 2024.
Former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy sees similarities between Mateer and the program’s most recent Heisman winner.
“When I watch this young man, he reminds me a lot, frankly, of Baker Mayfield. He runs like Baker Mayfield. He’s more powerful, I think, as a runner than he is a guy that’s gonna finesse his way to big carries. But his legs make all the difference, man, and he’s got great comfort with the system. He also has an outstanding supporting cast.”
McElroy made those comments during SEC Media Days coverage on ESPN, according to Willie Gillespie.
Mateer’s 2024 numbers at Washington State support the optimism surrounding his transfer. He threw for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns against just seven interceptions while adding 826 rushing yards.
The physical comparisons to Mayfield are striking. Mateer stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 225 pounds, making him slightly denser than the current Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback.
Like Mayfield, he excels at making plays on the move and possesses arm strength that exceeds expectations for his frame size.
However, succeeding in the SEC presents a different challenge than his previous competition in the Pac-12.
McElroy believes SEC fans aren’t prepared for what Mateer brings to the conference.
“So I think John Mateer is a guy that right now is still really flying under the radar when it comes to SEC fans, because they’ve never seen him play at this level of football,” McElroy said. “But they better get ready to hear a lot and a lot of good things from the Sooners quarterback this year.”
The Sooners open their 2025 season with heightened expectations after adding key transfer portal pieces to complement Venables’ defensive development efforts.
