Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables isn’t one for hyperbole, especially when it comes to naming the next man up in one of college football’s most high-profile quarterback rooms. But when asked about redshirt sophomore John Mateer, the Sooners’ head coach didn’t mince words. Venables expressed full confidence in Mateer’s ability to take the reins in Norman and deliver not just competent quarterback play—but elite leadership and performance.
“He’s got the makeup you look for,” Venables said. “He prepares like a pro, the guys respect him, and he’s got the arm talent and mobility to be dangerous. We believe he can be elite.”
Mateer steps into a spotlight that has shone brightly on Oklahoma quarterbacks for decades. From Sam Bradford to Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts, the Sooners have long been a breeding ground for top-tier quarterback play. And though Mateer isn’t the most hyped name to follow in that lineage, Venables and the coaching staff see something special in the 6-foot-1, 208-pound QB from Little Elm, Texas.
During his limited action in 2024, Mateer flashed the traits that have the Sooners excited. Appearing in five games, mostly in mop-up duty, he completed 19-of-27 passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns, adding 79 yards and another score on the ground. More importantly, he showed poise, quick decision-making, and the kind of vocal presence that quickly earns respect in the locker room.
“John’s not a rah-rah guy, but when he talks, everyone listens,” said offensive coordinator Seth Littrell. “He leads with his work ethic. He was one of the first in the building every day this offseason. That rubs off on the rest of the guys.”
The Sooners find themselves in a transition period, with former starter Dillon Gabriel now in the NFL and a new offensive scheme being integrated under Littrell. That has opened the door for Mateer to take ownership of the offense. So far, he hasn’t flinched.
“We’re building something together,” Mateer said during spring camp. “I trust Coach Littrell, and I’m learning every day. It’s a challenge, but I’m embracing it. That’s what you come to Oklahoma for.”
Teammates have echoed that sentiment. Wide receiver Nic Anderson, who is expected to be one of the top targets in 2025, praised Mateer’s growth and command in the huddle.
“He’s a lot more confident,” Anderson said. “You can tell he’s studied the playbook. He knows where we’re supposed to be, and he puts the ball where only we can catch it. We believe in him.”
That belief is crucial, especially with the Sooners entering the SEC this season. The competition will be tougher, the defenses faster and more complex. Oklahoma doesn’t have the luxury of breaking in a quarterback slowly. If the Sooners want to contend in their new conference home, they’ll need Mateer to be ready from the opening snap.
Venables thinks he will be.
“He’s tough, mentally and physically,” Venables said. “He’s been through adversity. He was overlooked coming out of high school. He had to work for everything he’s gotten here. That builds character. That builds leadership.”
Indeed, Mateer’s journey hasn’t followed the five-star quarterback blueprint. Rated as a three-star prospect in the 2022 class, he committed to Oklahoma over offers from smaller Power Five programs. He arrived in Norman with little fanfare but quickly made an impression behind the scenes. Coaches lauded his scout team work as a freshman, and he earned praise from veterans for his commitment to film study and weight room work.
That grind hasn’t gone unnoticed. In an era of transfer portal chaos and instant gratification, Mateer’s patience and perseverance have made him a favorite within the program. His willingness to wait his turn, to compete every day without guarantees, has given him a unique edge.
“A lot of guys would’ve left,” said senior offensive lineman Tyler Guyton. “But John stayed. He believed in himself. Now it’s his time.”
That time comes with enormous expectations. Oklahoma fans are passionate, vocal, and demanding. They expect wins. They expect championships. And they expect the quarterback to be the face of the program. Mateer may not be a household name nationally—yet—but that could change quickly if he delivers on Venables’ bold prediction.
Spring practices offered a glimpse of what Mateer could become. He showcased improved velocity on intermediate throws, touch on deep balls, and a knack for extending plays with his legs. More than once, he drew praise for taking command of two-minute drills and executing with precision.
Still, questions remain. Can he handle SEC-level defenses over a full season? Can he stay healthy? Can he rise to the occasion in a fourth-quarter shootout against Alabama or Georgia?
Venables isn’t blind to those questions. But he believes the answers lie in Mateer’s approach—steady, fearless, and detail-oriented.
“You can’t teach some of the intangibles he has,” Venables said. “You can coach mechanics, you can install schemes, but leadership—that’s something you either have or you don’t. And John has it.”
For his part, Mateer is keeping things simple. He isn’t focused on replacing legends or silencing critics. He’s focused on earning his teammates’ trust and doing his job, one snap at a time.
“I know there’s a lot of noise,” he said. “But my job is to block that out and focus on what I can control. Compete. Lead. Execute. That’s what I’m here to do.”
If he does, the Sooners could have their next great quarterback. One not born of hype, but hardened by competition and fueled by belief—from his coach, his team, and increasingly, from a fanbase eager to see what comes next.
“We’re excited about him,” Venables said. “There’s a quiet confidence about John. He’s earned this opportunity. And I think he’s going to make the most of it.”
In a program built on quarterback excellence, John Mateer is ready for his shot. Brent Venables believes he has what it takes to be elite. Now, the rest of the college football world will find out too.
