Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer has found himself in the spotlight this season not just because of his performance on the field, but also because of the way he carries himself off it. In a time when athletes are constantly bombarded with praise, criticism, and social media noise, Mateer has made it clear that he’s not going to let himself fall victim to what Nick Saban famously called “rat poison.” That phrase, which Saban coined years ago, refers to the media hype and outside chatter that can distract a player or a team from the real work at hand. For Mateer, it’s not just a catchy expression—it’s a philosophy that shapes the way he approaches the game, the locker room, and even his life outside of football.
The “rat poison” narrative is something that resonates deeply in college football culture. Players at big-time programs like Oklahoma are constantly put under a microscope. Every throw, every mistake, and every highlight is scrutinized and dissected by analysts, fans, and opposing coaches. A single outstanding game can catapult a quarterback into Heisman Trophy conversations, while one off day can trigger doubt about his abilities and his future with the team. For Mateer, who understands the weight of playing the quarterback position at a program with as much history as Oklahoma, buying into that outside noise would be the quickest way to derail his focus. That’s why he’s adopted the mindset of tuning it out, no matter how positive or negative the chatter might be.
Mateer’s rise in the Oklahoma program has not been a straightforward storybook climb. Like many quarterbacks, he’s had to battle for reps, prove himself in practices, and earn the trust of his coaches and teammates. The quarterback room at Oklahoma has always been competitive, filled with blue-chip recruits and transfers hungry for the spotlight. What sets Mateer apart is not only his physical tools—his arm strength, his mobility, his ability to make plays under pressure—but also his resilience and maturity. Rather than getting caught up in the buzz or the doubts, he’s chosen to keep his head down and focus on improving week by week. It’s that mindset that has made his coaches confident in his ability to lead the Sooners through the grind of a season.
Leadership at the quarterback position is about more than just play-calling or throwing touchdowns. It’s about setting the tone for the rest of the team, especially when adversity strikes. Mateer’s refusal to buy into the “rat poison” makes him a stabilizing presence in the locker room. When the Sooners win big and the media starts heaping praise on him, he keeps the same even-keeled attitude. When the team struggles and critics question the offense, he maintains that same focus and determination. His teammates see that consistency and feed off it, because nothing undermines a team faster than a leader who gets too high after a win or too low after a loss.
Oklahoma football, as a program, has always been under the spotlight. The Sooners’ tradition, their history of producing great quarterbacks, and their move into the SEC have only amplified the pressure. For Mateer, this means the stakes are higher than ever. The media narrative around the Sooners this season has fluctuated from optimism to skepticism depending on the week. There are those who believe Oklahoma can contend for championships, while others doubt whether the roster is deep enough to handle the grind of an SEC schedule. But Mateer isn’t letting those storylines dictate how he plays or prepares. He knows that the only voices that truly matter are those of his coaches, his teammates, and his own inner drive to get better.
This mindset is also crucial because it shows that Mateer understands the mental side of the game. Physical talent can only take a quarterback so far, especially in a conference filled with elite defenses and hostile environments. The ability to block out distractions, maintain composure, and make good decisions under pressure is what separates good quarterbacks from great ones. By refusing to get caught up in the “rat poison,” Mateer is developing the kind of mental toughness that will serve him well not just this season, but throughout his football career.
The phrase itself—“rat poison”—may sound harsh, but in truth it captures the seductive danger of external validation. When a quarterback reads headlines calling him the next big star, it’s easy to start believing he’s arrived before he’s truly put in the work. That’s when fundamentals start slipping, focus wanes, and opponents gain an edge. Mateer’s attitude shows he’s not interested in falling into that trap. His focus remains on execution—studying film, perfecting his mechanics, and ensuring that when he steps on the field, he gives his team the best chance to win.
It’s not just about football either. College athletes today live in a world where social media can amplify every moment of their lives. A single highlight clip can go viral overnight, making a player a household name among fans. But the same platform can just as quickly turn toxic, spreading criticism or rumors that weigh heavily on a young athlete’s mind. Mateer has embraced the discipline of tuning it out. That doesn’t mean he’s ignoring fans or failing to appreciate their support, but rather that he understands the importance of not letting those outside voices dictate his confidence or his preparation. It’s a lesson in maturity that many athletes struggle to grasp until later in their careers.
Another reason Mateer’s stance on “rat poison” is so powerful is because it fits into a broader narrative of what makes successful teams. The best programs in college football are the ones that cultivate a culture of focus and discipline. Coaches can preach about ignoring distractions, but it ultimately comes down to whether players buy into it. Mateer’s refusal to take the bait shows that Oklahoma has a leader who embodies the values the program wants to instill. When he says he won’t fall for the hype, it sends a message to the rest of the roster: stay focused, do your job, and don’t let the noise define who we are as a team.
Of course, actions always speak louder than words. Mateer’s ability to block out “rat poison” will ultimately be measured by how he performs on Saturdays. When the game is on the line and Oklahoma needs a clutch drive, his focus and composure will be tested. So far, he’s shown signs that he can deliver in those moments. He’s not afraid to take risks when necessary, but he also avoids the kind of reckless mistakes that come from pressing too hard or trying to prove something to critics. That balance is what coaches look for in a quarterback—it’s what separates the leaders who win games from those who just put up empty stats.
The historical weight of the Oklahoma quarterback position also cannot be ignored. From Heisman winners to NFL stars, the Sooners have produced some of the most iconic quarterbacks in college football history. That legacy brings both opportunity and pressure. For Mateer, it would be easy to feel overwhelmed by comparisons to the greats who came before him. But by ignoring the “rat poison,” he’s carving out his own path. He’s not trying to be the next Baker Mayfield or Kyler Murray—he’s focused on being the best version of John Mateer. That self-awareness is refreshing, especially in an era where players often feel burdened by expectations they didn’t set for themselves.
Looking ahead, Mateer’s stance on ignoring distractions could be a defining factor in how Oklahoma’s season unfolds. As the Sooners navigate a tough schedule, they will inevitably face ups and downs. The way their quarterback responds to those challenges will set the tone for the rest of the team. If Mateer continues to demonstrate that poise and level-headedness, the Sooners will have a steady hand guiding them through the chaos. And in a sport where momentum swings and emotional highs and lows can dictate outcomes, that steadiness might be the difference between a good season and a great one.
The idea of blocking out noise also resonates beyond football. It’s a lesson in life, particularly for young athletes and fans who look up to players like Mateer. The temptation to seek validation from the outside world is something everyone experiences, whether in sports, academics, or careers. But real growth comes from within—from staying true to one’s values, focusing on the process, and not letting temporary praise or criticism derail long-term goals. Mateer’s mindset provides an example of how to navigate those pressures with discipline and perspective.
In the end, John Mateer’s refusal to fall for “rat poison” is about more than catchy words or sound bites. It’s about embodying the discipline, focus, and mental toughness required to succeed in one of the most demanding roles in college sports. He knows the spotlight comes with the territory of being Oklahoma’s quarterback, but he’s determined not to let that spotlight blind him. Instead, he’s choosing to keep his eyes on the bigger picture: leading his team, improving every day, and leaving a legacy built not on headlines but on hard work and results.
As the season continues, there will be moments when the noise grows louder—when critics question his play or when fans elevate him into stardom. But if his words and his demeanor are any indication, Mateer will continue to do what he’s promised from the start: block out the “rat poison,” stay locked in, and let his play on the field speak for itself. For Oklahoma, that might just be the most important quality their quarterback could have.
