JUST IN: John Mateer Flips Commitment to Oklahoma Sooners
In a shocking turn of events, John Mateer, one of the top-rated recruits in the country, has officially flipped his commitment from Notre Dame to the Oklahoma Sooners. The highly sought-after offensive lineman has been a key player in this year’s recruiting cycle, and his decision to join Oklahoma is sending ripples through the college football world.
Mateer, a standout offensive tackle out of Oklahoma, had long been considered a strong commit to Notre Dame, with many experts believing he was set to join the Fighting Irish in the near future. However, in a surprising move, the 6’5″, 320-pound lineman has decided to stay closer to home, choosing the Sooners and continuing the tradition of elite offensive line play at the University of Oklahoma.
The Flip Heard Around the Recruiting World
Mateer’s commitment flip is a big deal, not just because of his skill set, but also because of the timing. As the recruiting cycle heats up, commitments like Mateer’s can have a ripple effect on other recruits. His decision to decommit from Notre Dame and switch to Oklahoma is sure to create waves among other top recruits who may now consider the Sooners as a serious contender.
Oklahoma has long been a powerhouse in college football, and the addition of a player of Mateer’s caliber only strengthens the Sooners’ reputation as one of the premier programs in the nation. Under head coach Brent Venables, Oklahoma is aiming to return to national championship contention, and with elite recruits like Mateer on board, their future is looking incredibly bright.
Why the Flip?
There are several factors that likely contributed to Mateer’s decision to flip his commitment to Oklahoma. For one, his decision to stay closer to home likely played a significant role. Playing for a powerhouse program like Oklahoma, which has been a perennial contender in college football, must have been an attractive proposition.
Another factor could be Oklahoma’s emphasis on offensive line development. The Sooners have a strong tradition of producing NFL-caliber offensive linemen, and Mateer likely sees a clear path to furthering his football career under Oklahoma’s experienced coaching staff.
Additionally, the prospect of playing in the high-powered Big 12 offense, which regularly puts up big numbers and provides plenty of opportunities for offensive linemen to showcase their skills, could have been a major draw for Mateer.
The Loss for Notre Dame
For Notre Dame, this is undoubtedly a tough loss. The Fighting Irish had been hoping to secure a commitment from Mateer, whose combination of size, athleticism, and skill made him one of the most coveted offensive linemen in the 2025 recruiting class. Notre Dame has long been known for developing strong offensive lines, and Mateer was seen as a cornerstone piece to the future of that unit.
However, while this is a setback, it’s important to remember that Notre Dame is still in a strong position to recruit elite talent, with Marcus Freeman and his staff continuing to build a program capable of competing for national championships. The Fighting Irish will need to adjust their recruiting strategy moving forward, but they remain a top destination for recruits looking to play at the highest level.
What’s Next for Mateer?
As for Mateer, his flip to Oklahoma only strengthens an already impressive recruiting class for the Sooners. The 2025 class is shaping up to be one of Oklahoma’s best in recent memory, and the addition of Mateer will provide a significant boost to their offensive line.
In the coming months, Mateer will likely continue to build on his reputation as one of the top recruits in the country. His journey to Oklahoma is sure to excite Sooners fans, and his potential to make an immediate impact in the program is high. With his size, strength, and technical ability, Mateer could be a key player for Oklahoma in the years to come.
John Mateer’s flip to Oklahoma is a big story in the world of college football recruiting, and it’s one that will have ripple effects for both Notre Dame and Oklahoma moving forward. For the Sooners, this is a major win as they continue to recruit at an elite level. For Notre Dame, it’s a tough loss, but one that the Fighting Irish will quickly regroup from as they continue to pursue top-tier talent.
As the 2025 recruiting class continues to take shape, fans of both programs will be watching closely to see how this shift impacts the future of both Oklahoma and Notre Dame football.