John Mateer, Oklahoma’s Quarterback, Discusses His Approach Going Into Spring Football
As spring football approaches, John Mateer, the quarterback for the University of Oklahoma, finds himself in a pivotal stage of his collegiate career. After a successful offseason of learning and growing both as a leader and as a player, Mateer is preparing for what could be a defining spring for his future at Oklahoma. The Sooners, under head coach Brent Venables, are coming off a season that showed promise, but spring football is where the real groundwork will be laid for 2025 and beyond.
With a unique blend of talent and confidence, Mateer sat down to discuss his mindset, preparation, and the steps he plans to take to make this spring football season a springboard for greater success in the fall. His approach is more than just technical — it’s a blend of leadership, maturity, and fine-tuning the mental side of his game.
Refining the Fundamentals
For any quarterback, the fundamentals are key, and Mateer is no exception. Whether it’s footwork, decision-making, or ball security, the quarterback position demands precision and consistency. Mateer has been working tirelessly to hone these skills in the offseason, focusing on improving his mechanics.
“Spring ball is really about going back to the basics,” Mateer explains. “For me, it’s about getting my footwork even sharper, making sure my mechanics are in line, and being consistent every single time I drop back to throw. You can never be too perfect in the fundamentals. It’s about making sure those things are second nature.”
While Mateer has natural talent, he knows that without sharp technique, his skills can only take him so far. The goal for this spring is to keep improving those mechanical aspects of his game that may have shown slight inefficiencies last season. By making his movements more fluid, precise, and instinctual, he can give himself more time to process the defense and make better decisions when the pocket collapses.
Building Chemistry with the Receivers
One of the most important aspects of a quarterback’s development during the spring is building rapport with their receiving corps. For John Mateer, this is especially critical, as he looks to develop a strong understanding with a group of pass-catchers who can make a real impact in 2025.
“I’ve been working a lot this offseason on timing and developing that trust with my receivers,” Mateer says. “It’s all about repetition — getting the timing right on the deep balls, making sure we’re on the same page with routes, and just building that relationship. The better we communicate, the smoother the offense runs.”
That communication will be tested during spring ball, with Mateer looking to develop a better understanding of how his receivers make cuts, their routes under different coverages, and how they react to different types of throws. Developing that synergy will not only benefit the passing game, but also help Mateer read defenses more effectively, knowing what his receivers will do in various situations.
With the Sooners’ offense expected to have a mix of both experienced players and younger talents at the wide receiver position, establishing trust and timing with these players will be crucial as they head into the 2025 season.
Mental Preparation and Leadership
While physical preparation is crucial, Mateer also emphasizes the importance of mental readiness heading into spring football. The quarterback position is as much about mindset as it is about physical ability, and the mental game will be a central focus for Mateer this spring.
“Mentally, I’ve been focusing on how to stay calm under pressure, how to read defenses more quickly, and making better decisions with the ball,” Mateer says. “I also want to focus on being a leader out there — when things aren’t going perfectly, how do I handle it? How do I keep my guys in the right mindset and ensure they’re ready to respond?”
As the leader of the offense, Mateer understands that his demeanor can set the tone for the entire team. The Sooners have high expectations heading into 2025, and Mateer is determined to elevate those around him, especially when adversity strikes. Whether it’s staying calm under pressure or rallying his teammates when things get tough, Mateer’s ability to lead will be tested throughout the spring.
“I’m learning how to be the quarterback they can look to when things are tough,” Mateer adds. “It’s not just about calling the plays or making the throws — it’s about being that guy who helps everyone stay focused and confident, no matter what’s happening on the field.”
Improving Decision-Making and Pocket Awareness
Another aspect of his game Mateer is concentrating on is his decision-making and pocket awareness. While he showed flashes of brilliance last season, consistency in these areas will be a critical part of his development.
“I’ve been watching a lot of film, focusing on reading defenses and making quicker decisions,” Mateer says. “In the pocket, I want to feel the pressure without getting rattled. Sometimes, you just need to trust your line and your footwork to stay calm and make the right play.”
Part of the learning process is understanding when to hold the ball, when to release it quickly, and when to make a play with his legs. As a dual-threat quarterback, Mateer is working to balance his natural instincts to escape pressure with making the smart decision to throw the ball away or check down to a safer option.
“Sometimes, less is more,” Mateer notes. “Knowing when to take off and run and when to just stay in the pocket and find a safe throw will help us move the chains more efficiently. And that’s what it’s all about — keeping the chains moving and putting points on the board.”
The Competition: Embracing the Challenge
While Mateer enters spring ball as a leader on the depth chart, he knows that competition is always fierce at the quarterback position. With other talented quarterbacks in the room, Mateer isn’t taking anything for granted and sees the competition as an opportunity to further prove himself.
“There’s always competition in a place like Oklahoma,” Mateer acknowledges. “I know there’s talented guys behind me, but that only pushes me to be better. I want to be the best version of myself, and competition brings out the best in me.”
Mateer understands that playing quarterback at a high-profile program like Oklahoma means constant pressure to perform. But instead of shying away from that pressure, he embraces it, using it as motivation to continue to grow and lead by example. The spring provides an opportunity to not just solidify his place as the starter but also to refine every facet of his game before the season kicks off.
The Goal for Spring Football: Building Toward the Fall
For John Mateer, the ultimate goal of spring football is to establish a strong foundation for the upcoming season. He knows that the work done now will pay off when the Sooners hit the field in the fall, and he is committed to ensuring that he and his teammates are prepared for the challenges ahead.
“I want to leave spring football feeling more confident in myself and in my teammates,” Mateer says. “I want us to go into summer knowing we’ve put in the work and that we’re ready for the season. It’s about continuing to build this offense and being the best team we can be.”
As spring practices begin, Mateer’s approach — focused on refining fundamentals, developing leadership, improving decision-making, and building chemistry with his receivers — will be critical to his success. For Oklahoma, having a quarterback who is both mentally and physically prepared for the challenges ahead is essential in making a run at another Big 12 title and possibly beyond.
Spring football is the beginning of a journey, and for John Mateer, it’s a chance to prove that he is the quarterback who can lead Oklahoma back to prominence. With his mindset firmly focused on improvement and leadership, the Sooners have a bright future ahead under Mateer’s command.