QB JOHN MATEER POISED TO LEAD SOONERS’ 2025 FOOTBALL CAMPAIGN AS FANS, COACHES, AND ANALYSTS RALLY BEHIND THE NEW FACE OF OKLAHOMA’S OFFENSE…

By Sports Desk | May 29, 2025

NORMAN, OK — The winds of change are blowing through Norman, Oklahoma, and they carry the name John Mateer. After months of speculation, practice film reviews, and locker room whispers, the University of Oklahoma has confirmed what many have suspected since spring camp: redshirt sophomore quarterback John Mateer is the frontrunner — and likely starter — to lead the Sooners’ offense in the upcoming 2025 college football season.

While the quarterback room in Norman has been a revolving door in recent years — with high-profile transfers, early NFL departures, and competitive depth chart battles — the decision to place confidence in Mateer signals a new era of development, leadership, and stability. And with the Sooners preparing for one of their most pivotal seasons yet — their second in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) — Mateer’s rise couldn’t come at a more important time.

FROM LITTLE-KNOWN BACKUP TO STARTING QUARTERBACK: MATEER’S RISE TO PROMINENCE

For many Oklahoma fans, John Mateer wasn’t initially a household name. A product of Little Elm High School in Texas, Mateer came to OU as a three-star recruit — smart, mobile, and coachable, but buried on the depth chart behind bigger names. After redshirting in 2022 and seeing minimal action in the 2023 and 2024 campaigns, some wondered whether Mateer would follow the transfer route like many backup quarterbacks in the transfer portal era.

Instead, he stayed. He learned. He adapted.

“John has been one of the most consistent guys in the locker room,” said Head Coach Brent Venables, speaking to reporters after the Red-White Spring Game. “He’s done everything we’ve asked of him and more. He’s taken the coaching, responded to adversity, and now he’s ready to lead this team.”

In that spring game, Mateer showed poise, accuracy, and a surprising burst of athleticism. He completed 16 of 21 passes for 221 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions — against a first-string defense hungry to impress. More importantly, he commanded the offense with a maturity that left a strong impression on teammates and analysts alike.

THE LOCKER ROOM BELIEVES: “MATEER’S OUR GUY”

What separates John Mateer from just another talented quarterback isn’t just mechanics or playbook knowledge — it’s how his teammates respond to him.

Senior wide receiver Jalil Farooq, who enters the season as the offense’s most experienced pass-catcher, praised Mateer’s leadership.

“You can tell when a quarterback has that ‘it’ factor,” Farooq said after spring practices. “He doesn’t yell or grandstand, but when he talks, you listen. He knows the playbook like a coach, and he puts us in position to succeed.”

That sentiment was echoed by sophomore tight end Kade McIntyre, who emphasized Mateer’s preparation habits and trust-building efforts with skill-position players.

“He doesn’t take days off,” McIntyre said. “Even during winter break, he was organizing throwing sessions. You want to go to war for a guy like that.”

FILLING BIG SHOES: LIFE AFTER JACKSON ARNOLD AND DILLON GABRIEL

Oklahoma’s quarterback lineage is as rich as it is complex. From Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray, to Jalen Hurts, Spencer Rattler, Caleb Williams, Dillon Gabriel, and most recently Jackson Arnold, the Sooners are no strangers to elite quarterback play.

But with Gabriel moving to the NFL after the 2023 season and Jackson Arnold opting to transfer to Michigan after a late-season benching in 2024, the position suddenly became a question mark again. The quarterback room had experience but lacked a clear frontrunner — until Mateer emerged from the spring as the staff’s choice.

“He’s not trying to be Baker or Kyler,” said offensive coordinator Seth Littrell, who returned to OU to coordinate the offense. “He’s trying to be John Mateer. That’s what we want.”

A NEW-LOOK OFFENSE UNDER LITTRELL AND MATEER

One of the most fascinating storylines heading into the 2025 season is how the Sooners will mold their offense around Mateer’s strengths.

Under Seth Littrell — a former Oklahoma fullback and innovative offensive mind — the playbook is expected to be more balanced and adaptive. Littrell has promised a system that emphasizes tempo, quick decision-making, and quarterback mobility, all of which align well with Mateer’s skill set.

“He’s a dual-threat in the truest sense,” Littrell said of Mateer. “He’s not just a runner. He’s a thinker. He’s precise. He reads coverages. We’re building something around his abilities, and it’s going to be fun to watch.”

Expect to see more run-pass options (RPOs), designed quarterback rollouts, and play-action plays that highlight Mateer’s ability to extend plays and read defenses on the move.

THE SCHEDULE AHEAD: A TRIAL BY FIRE IN THE SEC

The 2025 season schedule isn’t kind to any quarterback, let alone a first-year starter. Oklahoma will face traditional SEC powerhouses like Georgia, LSU, and Alabama, as well as longtime rivals Texas in the Red River Showdown and Oklahoma State in Bedlam.

The first true test for Mateer comes in Week 2, when OU travels to Baton Rouge to face LSU under the lights — an atmosphere known to rattle even seasoned signal-callers.

“We’ll see what he’s made of,” said ESPN analyst Desmond Howard, previewing the Sooners’ schedule. “If he gets through September unscathed, Oklahoma might be a playoff sleeper.”

FANBASE DIVIDED NO MORE: MATEER UNITES SOONER NATION

Earlier in the offseason, Sooner social media was ablaze with debates over who should take the helm. Some clamored for a splashy transfer; others called for a youth movement. But after spring ball and the spring game, the tide shifted dramatically in Mateer’s favor.

“I didn’t know much about him until this spring,” said longtime season ticket holder Sandra Morales of Norman. “But he reminds me of the old-school quarterbacks — calm, confident, doesn’t need the spotlight.”

Sooner message boards, known for their passionate — and at times volatile — commentary, have taken a surprisingly unified tone in recent weeks. Fans are rallying around Mateer not as a placeholder, but as a potential long-term answer.

WHAT THE ANALYSTS SAY: “HE’S A DARK HORSE STAR”

College football insiders and national media have started taking note of Mateer’s quiet ascension.

Greg McElroy, former Alabama quarterback and current ESPN analyst, said Mateer is “one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the SEC this year.”

“Every year, there’s that one guy who comes out of nowhere and puts it all together,” McElroy said during an SEC Network segment. “Mateer could be that guy. He’s got the system, he’s got the weapons, and he has something most quarterbacks don’t — a second and third gear when things break down.”

Recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill highlighted Mateer’s film intelligence and decision-making.

“Not the biggest arm in the conference, but maybe the smartest,” Luginbill said. “And in this conference, smart wins games.”

MATEER’S OWN WORDS: “I’M READY TO LEAD. NOT JUST PLAY.”

At a recent media availability, Mateer was asked directly about his new status as the team’s leader. His answer was measured, but powerful.

“I’ve waited for this,” he said. “Not just the chance to play, but to lead this program. We’re going to shock people — not because they doubt us, but because we believe in each other.”

When asked about the pressure of playing in the SEC, Mateer shrugged off the hype.

“Pressure is a privilege,” he said. “I’d rather be here, in this moment, than anywhere else.”

BUILDING AROUND HIM: THE OFFENSIVE PIECES

If Mateer is going to thrive, he’ll need help — and the Sooners may have just the roster to provide it.

• Running backs: Redshirt junior Gavin Sawchuk returns after a breakout 2024 campaign and will be complemented by rising sophomore Taylor Tatum, a bruising runner who can handle goal-line duties.
• Wide receivers: In addition to Farooq, OU boasts speedster Nic Anderson, physical presence Jaquaize Pettaway, and dynamic freshman Ivan Carr, who has already drawn comparisons to CeeDee Lamb in practice.
• Offensive line: Anchored by veterans Cayden Green and Jacob Sexton, the line is a blend of experience and youth — and has been one of the focuses of Coach Venables’ offseason.

“Give Mateer time,” offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh said. “He’ll deliver.”

DEFENSIVE SUPPORT: VENABLES’ VISION COMING TO FRUITION

While much attention is on the offense, Oklahoma’s defense — long a sore spot in recent years — has steadily improved under Venables’ leadership. Returning stars like Danny Stutsman, Billy Bowman, and Dasan McCullough provide Mateer with a safety net on the other side of the ball.

“Defense wins championships,” Venables said. “But you still need a quarterback who can make the big throws when it counts. We have that now.”

THE BIG PICTURE: WHAT’S AT STAKE IN 2025

The 2025 campaign isn’t just about wins and losses — it’s about identity. With a move to the SEC, a new offensive direction, and a fresh quarterback under center, Oklahoma is at a crossroads.

A strong season under Mateer could solidify the Sooners as a top-tier SEC contender and playoff regular. A rocky start, however, could restart the carousel of quarterback uncertainty and erode fan confidence.

Still, from players to coaches to fans, there’s a growing sense that John Mateer is not just a stopgap — he’s a solution.

“This is our guy,” Coach Venables said plainly. “And we’re going to ride with him.”

LOOKING AHEAD: LEGACY ON THE LINE

Every quarterback at Oklahoma is measured against a lineage of greatness. From Heisman Trophy winners to NFL stars, the standard is sky-high. But Mateer isn’t chasing ghosts — he’s carving his own path.

With fall camp looming and the season opener against Tulsa set for late August, all eyes now turn to how John Mateer will handle the spotlight — and whether he’ll turn potential into production.

For now, in Norman, there’s no quarterback controversy.

There’s just John Mateer, helmet in hand, playbook memorized, and ready to lead the charge.

SOONERS 2025 DEPTH CHART SNAPSHOT (OFFENSE)

FINAL THOUGHT

The Oklahoma Sooners are ready for a new chapter. And at the heart of that story is a quarterback who waited his turn, silenced the doubters, and now stands ready to lead.

John Mateer’s time is now.

And in Norman, belief in the new QB1 has never been stronger.