The Oklahoma Sooners have made a significant addition to their roster with the commitment of Washington State transfer quarterback John Mateer. The announcement, made by Mateer on social media, sent shockwaves through the college football landscape and provided a major boost to Oklahoma’s quarterback room heading into the 2024 season.
Mateer, a standout at Washington State, is known for his dual-threat ability, football IQ, and leadership on and off the field. His decision to join the Sooners reflects head coach Brent Venables’ and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby’s commitment to maintaining an elite offensive identity in Norman.
For Mateer, Oklahoma offers the perfect platform to take his game to the next level. In his announcement, Mateer expressed his excitement about the move:
*”Oklahoma felt like the right place for me to grow as a player and as a person. The tradition here speaks for itself, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. I can’t wait to get to work with Coach Venables and the staff and compete for championships.”*
After entering the transfer portal, Mateer quickly became one of the most sought-after quarterbacks due to his proven track record and upside. Oklahoma’s ability to attract top-tier talent and their history of developing quarterbacks for the NFL were undoubtedly key factors in his decision.
During his time at Washington State, Mateer showcased his ability to excel in a fast-paced offense. He threw for over 3,000 yards last season with 28 touchdowns while adding another 400 yards and 6 touchdowns on the ground. His ability to extend plays and make big throws under pressure made him a standout in the Pac-12.
Mateer’s leadership and poise in high-stakes situations also drew praise from coaches and teammates, making him a valuable addition for a Sooners team aiming to return to national prominence.
At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, Mateer is a prototypical modern quarterback. His dual-threat capabilities allow him to thrive in both designed runs and improvisational situations, while his arm strength and accuracy make him a threat in the vertical passing game.
The Sooners’ offensive system under Jeff Lebby is designed to maximize a quarterback’s strengths, and Mateer seems like an ideal fit. His ability to read defenses and operate efficiently in up-tempo situations should make for a seamless transition to Oklahoma’s scheme.
With Oklahoma preparing to compete in the expanded College Football Playoff era and their transition to the SEC, Mateer’s presence provides stability and a proven playmaker at the most critical position.
Mateer’s commitment continues Oklahoma’s tradition of attracting elite quarterbacks. From Baker Mayfield to Kyler Murray, Jalen Hurts, and Caleb Williams, the Sooners have established themselves as a quarterback factory. Mateer now has the opportunity to add his name to that illustrious list.
For Oklahoma, Mateer’s arrival couldn’t come at a better time. The Sooners are determined to build on their recent successes and re-establish themselves as national title contenders. With Mateer at the helm, the offense looks poised to remain one of the most dynamic in the nation.
As spring practice approaches, all eyes will be on Mateer as he competes for the starting job. His experience and skill set make him an early favorite, but the Sooners’ depth chart is filled with talent, ensuring a competitive atmosphere that should elevate the entire team.
Mateer’s decision to join Oklahoma is a win for the Sooners and a statement of intent for a program determined to dominate in the SEC and beyond. Sooner Nation, get ready — John Mateer is coming to Norman, and the future looks brighter than ever.