In college football, some players burst onto the scene in an instant, while others take years to carve out their legacy. For John Mateer, the journey has been anything but conventional. A late bloomer in the football world, Mateer’s rise from an unheralded recruit to one of the hottest quarterbacks in the transfer portal has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Now, as he embarks on his new chapter with the Oklahoma Sooners, he faces the biggest test of his career—a leap from the Mountain West to the brutal grind of the SEC. With Brent Venables making a bold coaching decision that could shape the future of Oklahoma football, the pressure is mounting. Will Mateer thrive under the bright lights, or will the transition prove too daunting?
From Obscurity to Stardom: The Rise of John Mateer
Mateer’s college career didn’t start with much fanfare. When he joined Washington State, he was barely a blip on the recruiting radar. Even Cougars head coach Jake Dickert had his doubts, needing persuasion from then-offensive coordinator Eric Morris to give Mateer a shot. But with Cam Ward firmly entrenched as the starter, Mateer spent two years biding his time on the sidelines.
That patience finally paid off in 2024 when he was handed the keys to Washington State’s offense. His first start against Portland State wasn’t just a debut—it was a statement. Mateer torched the Vikings with a 64% completion rate, throwing for 352 yards, six touchdowns, and zero interceptions. The final score? A staggering 70-30 in favor of Washington State.
From that moment on, Mateer became an unstoppable force, racking up 3,139 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and a spot atop the 247Sports transfer rankings. His breakout season made him one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the country, and when Oklahoma came calling, the decision was clear—he was headed to Norman.
Oklahoma’s Gamble: A Proven Star or an Unproven SEC Contender?
The Sooners needed a quarterback after Jackson Arnold’s departure to Auburn, and Mateer seemed like the perfect fit. His familiarity with Jeff Lebby’s offensive system made him a natural plug-and-play option. However, not everyone is convinced that he’s ready for the jump from the Mountain West to the unforgiving SEC.
College football analyst Steve Lassan weighed in on Mateer’s transition, noting:
“He’s probably the biggest wild card of these quarterbacks. Moving from a Mountain West schedule to the SEC is a massive jump. He’s got talent, but can he handle the speed, physicality, and relentless competition?”
The concern is valid. In 2024, Washington State’s schedule was ranked 90th in difficulty. Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s 2025 slate will be brutal—the Sooners will face nine teams ranked in the top 25, including Alabama, Michigan, and Texas. It’s a trial by fire, and Mateer will have little room for error.
Despite the skepticism, Lassan ultimately backed Oklahoma’s decision:
“If you had asked me last season, I might have picked Arnold over Mateer. But Mateer proved he can produce at a high level, and he knows the offense. He’s ready to step in as Oklahoma’s starter from day one.”
Ready or not, Mateer is stepping into one of the most demanding positions in college football, and how he handles the pressure will define his legacy.
Brent Venables’ Bold Decision: A Blessing in Disguise?
While Mateer’s arrival has generated plenty of buzz, another major development has reshaped Oklahoma’s future—Brent Venables’ decision to take over defensive play-calling duties.
The Sooners initially pursued Jim Knowles for their vacant defensive coordinator position, even offering him nearly $3 million per year. But Penn State swooped in with an even bigger offer, leaving Oklahoma without their top choice. Instead of scrambling for another candidate, Venables made a game-changing move: he would call the plays himself.
In a statement on January 31, Venables addressed the decision:
“I have reflected on all facets of our program over the past several weeks. Since I was hired as head coach, we have carefully assembled the defensive personnel and scheme that is suited to compete at the highest level…To that end, I will take over defensive play-calling responsibilities for the 2025 season.”
For Oklahoma fans, this is more than just a backup plan—it’s a return to dominance. Venables is one of the most respected defensive minds in the game, having led Clemson to two national championships as their defensive coordinator. His aggressive, high-intensity defenses have terrorized opponents for years, and now he’ll have full control over Oklahoma’s unit.
For Mateer, this could be a game-changer. If the Sooners’ defense becomes a shutdown force, it will take some of the pressure off their new quarterback, allowing him to settle into his role without feeling like he has to win every game single-handedly.
A Season of High Stakes: Can Mateer and the Sooners Deliver?
With all the pieces in place, Oklahoma is gearing up for one of the most pivotal seasons in recent history. The talent is there. The coaching staff is locked in. But the challenges ahead are immense.
Their 2025 schedule is a gauntlet, featuring:
- Texas State (a tune-up game)
- South Carolina (a potential trap game)
- Michigan (a national title contender)
- Alabama (the ultimate SEC test)
- And six more ranked opponents
The Sooners are the only team in the SEC set to face nine top-25 teams. That kind of schedule can make or break a program. If Mateer can replicate his Washington State heroics, Oklahoma could be a dark-horse contender for the College Football Playoff. If he struggles, the pressure will only intensify.
One thing is certain—this isn’t just another season for the Sooners. This is a make-or-break year, and all eyes will be on John Mateer as he steps onto the biggest stage of his career.
Will he rise to the occasion and cement himself as Oklahoma’s next great quarterback? Or will the relentless SEC grind prove too much to handle?
The answer will unfold in the coming months, and college football fans won’t want to miss a second of it.
