In a surprising twist in the college football transfer landscape, John Mateer, the former starting quarterback of Washington State, has officially committed to Oklahoma. His announcement, made via social media on Wednesday, marks a pivotal moment not just for Mateer, but also for the Sooners who are desperately seeking to revitalize an underwhelming offensive performance from the past season. Mateer, widely regarded as the top player in ESPN’s transfer rankings, is set to bring his dynamic skill set to the Big 12, ensuring that Oklahoma remains competitive in a rapidly evolving football environment.
Mateer’s journey to this point has been anything but traditional. Initially backing up Cam Ward for two seasons, he finally seized the starting role at Washington State in 2024. In a breakout campaign, he threw for an impressive 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns, achieving a 65% completion rate. What is particularly noteworthy is his dual-threat capability; Mateer added 827 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns to his tally, showcasing versatility that is increasingly coveted in today’s game. His prowess as a dual-threat quarterback ranked him sixth among all FBS quarterbacks, and his 71.4 QBR placed him in the top ten among Group of 5 starters.
However, the season was not without its challenges. The Cougars began the year with an outstanding 8-1 record and were ranked as high as No. 18 in the College Football Playoff standings. Unfortunately, the season ended on a sour note, with the team suffering three consecutive losses. The offensive struggles led to Oregon’s first-year offensive coordinator, Seth Littrell, being relieved of his duties during the campaign. This instability undoubtedly contributed to Mateer’s decision to seek a new opportunity.
Oklahoma’s struggle in the 2024 season intensified the urgency of welcoming a player of Mateer’s caliber. After finishing with a mediocre 6-6 record in their inaugural season in the SEC, the Sooners found themselves ranking a dismal No. 94 nationally in scoring offense, averaging just 24.3 points per game—an alarming figure that marks their lowest since 1998. As a redshirt sophomore, Mateer not only addresses a critical need after starting quarterback Jackson Arnold opted to transfer to Auburn but also provides hope for a tangible turnaround in 2025.
Oklahoma’s head coach, Brent Venables, was strategic in his approach to filling the offensive void, enlisting the services of Washington State’s offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, and quarterbacks coach John Kuceyeski. This hiring is indicative of a shift in strategy, aiming to create a cohesive offensive system centered around a playmaker like Mateer. The synergy between these new hires and Mateer could unlock a more dynamic and effective offense that has eluded the Sooners over the past year.
A Larger Stage for Mateer
Mateer’s desire to “play on a bigger stage” was a pivotal factor in his decision to transfer. After a modest recruitment process that initially had him slated to compete at the FCS level with Central Arkansas, his late offer from Washington State considerably changed the trajectory of his career. Following coach Jake Dickert’s recent move to Wake Forest, the opportunity for Mateer to shine upon a wider platform became unmistakably clear. Dickert also conveyed confidence in Mateer’s potential, stating that the quarterback will likely be one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal.
As Mateer prepares to make the jump to Oklahoma, the stakes have never been higher. The Sooners are hoping that his arrival can catalyze a necessary revival in their football program, transforming not just their offensive approach but also reinvigorating their passionate fan base. With the 2025 season on the horizon, all eyes will be on John Mateer as he attempts to lead Oklahoma back into the limelight of college football excellence. The season-ending matchup against Navy in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl will serve as a crucial setting not just for establishing continuity against their recent struggles— but also for providing a glimpse of what is to come in the new era of Oklahoma’s football program.
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