1 day Ago By Shane Shoemaker
Oklahoma needed a solution at quarterback for the upcoming 2025 season after former five-star Jackson Arnold transferred to Auburn. But the Sooners believe they may have landed an even better replacement in Washington State transfer John Mateer. Mateer was ranked as the No.
2 quarterback behind Miami’s Carson Beck and the No. 5 overall transfer in the winter portal cycle, according to 247Sports. That kind of talent came with a steep price tag — Mateer carries a reported NIL valuation of $2.
7 million, per On3 . Now in his fourth season, Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables is banking on Mateer being worth every penny. Venables is looking for just his second winning season since taking over the Sooners in 2022.
His tenure so far includes two 6-7 finishes and a 10-3 season in 2023. With pressure mounting , 2025 could be a make-or-break year in Norman — and Mateer may be his best chance to turn things around. If the buzz from spring practice is any indication, Mateer could be exactly what the Sooners need.
"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.'" Last season, Mateer emerged as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation, finishing 10th in total yards (3,965) and accounting for 44 total touchdowns. For comparison, Oklahoma’s entire offense produced just 38 touchdowns in 2024 and ranked 97th nationally in scoring at 24 points per game.
Oklahoma’s 2025 transfer portal class ranks No. 15 nationally, according to 247Sports — and Mateer is a big reason why. But he’s not the only offensive upgrade Venables has added.
The Sooners also brought in four wide receivers and three tight ends from the portal, though none of them were ranked above three stars. Venables is hoping Mateer can elevate the playmakers around him — something Arnold struggled to do in his lone season as the starter. With the spring transfer portal window set to open April 16, Oklahoma will have another opportunity to add talent as the program prepares for its second season in the SEC.
And if Mateer lives up to the hype, it could be the start of a much-needed turnaround for Venables and the Sooners..
