**ESPN SHOCKER: Oklahoma Sooners QB John Mateer Stuns College Football World—Declines $4.5M NIL Deal from Georgia to Succeed Carson Beck! Already Secured $2.1M in December, But Chooses Loyalty to the Sooners**
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer has reportedly turned down a staggering $4.5 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offer from the University of Georgia—a deal that would have positioned him as the heir apparent to Bulldogs star Carson Beck. Instead, the rising sophomore has reaffirmed his commitment to Oklahoma, choosing loyalty over a life-changing payday in what many are calling one of the most selfless decisions in the NIL era.
The news, first broken by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, has ignited a firestorm of reactions across social media, with fans, analysts, and former players weighing in on Mateer’s stunning decision. According to sources close to the situation, Georgia’s collective had aggressively pursued Mateer as their top transfer target, viewing him as the perfect successor to Beck, who is widely expected to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. The Bulldogs’ offer—reportedly worth $4.5 million over two years—would have made Mateer one of the highest-paid players in college football.
But here’s the kicker: Mateer already has an NIL portfolio worth $2.1 million, secured in December through various endorsements and partnerships tied to Oklahoma. Despite the massive financial incentive to jump ship, the young quarterback informed Georgia’s staff this week that his heart remains in Norman.
“It’s not about the money,” a source close to Mateer told ESPN. “John loves this program, his teammates, and the culture Coach Venables has built. He believes in what they’re doing here and wants to finish what he started.”
The decision is a rare show of loyalty in an era where player movement has become the norm. Since the inception of the transfer portal and NIL, college football has seen an unprecedented number of athletes chase bigger paydays and better opportunities elsewhere. High-profile quarterbacks like Caleb Williams (Oklahoma to USC), Quinn Ewers (Ohio State to Texas), and Jaden Rashada (Florida to Arizona State) have all leveraged the system to their advantage. But Mateer’s choice to stay put—despite a deal that would have more than doubled his earnings—has drawn widespread admiration.
“This is a throwback mentality,” said ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit. “In today’s game, where money talks louder than ever, John Mateer just sent a powerful message: Some things are bigger than a paycheck.”
Oklahoma fans, understandably, are ecstatic. Mateer, a former four-star recruit, showed flashes of brilliance in limited action last season, displaying a strong arm, elite mobility, and a knack for clutch plays. With incumbent starter Jackson Arnold entering his junior year, Mateer is widely expected to compete for the starting job in 2025, if not sooner. His decision to stay ensures stability for a Sooners program transitioning into the brutal SEC, where quarterback depth will be more critical than ever.
Meanwhile, Georgia’s pursuit of Mateer underscores the cutthroat nature of modern recruiting. The Bulldogs, fresh off another playoff appearance, are in win-now mode and were clearly willing to pay top dollar to secure their next franchise QB. With Beck’s departure looming, head coach Kirby Smart now must pivot to other options, whether through the portal or by accelerating the development of five-star freshman Ryan Montgomery.
As for Mateer, his choice has already made him a legend in Oklahoma. Local businesses have reportedly flooded his NIL reps with new endorsement opportunities, and Sooner Nation has taken to social media to celebrate his loyalty. One fan even started a GoFundMe titled “Pay John Mateer What He’s Worth,” though NCAA rules would prevent him from directly accepting fan donations.
In the grand scheme of things, Mateer’s decision could have ripple effects across college football. Will other players follow his lead and prioritize program loyalty over NIL bidding wars? Or is this simply an outlier in an increasingly transactional sport? Only time will tell.
But one thing is certain: In an age where money often dictates decisions, John Mateer just reminded us all why we fell in love with college football in the first place. And for that, Oklahoma—and the entire sport—owes him a debt of gratitude.
**The Aftermath: What’s Next for Georgia and Oklahoma?**
Georgia’s loss is Oklahoma’s gain, but the Bulldogs won’t stay down for long. Expect Kirby Smart to turn his attention to other top-tier QBs in the portal, with names like Texas A&M’s Conner Weigman and Washington’s Demond Williams Jr. potentially in the mix. The Dawgs have the resources and prestige to land another elite signal-caller, but missing out on Mateer is undeniably a blow.
For Oklahoma, the focus now shifts to development. Head coach Brent Venables has repeatedly emphasized culture as the foundation of his program, and Mateer’s commitment reinforces that message. If the young QB can live up to his potential, the Sooners may have found not just their quarterback of the future, but the face of their program in the SEC.
And as for John Mateer? He’s already won over the hearts of college football fans nationwide. Whether he becomes a superstar or not, his legacy as the kid who turned down millions for loyalty is already cemented.
In a sport that’s constantly changing, some things—like the value of staying true to your team—still matter. And that’s a lesson worth more than any NIL deal.
