The Oklahoma Sooners’ practice field hums with history. It’s where legends are forged, where Heisman ghosts like Baker Mayfield’s fiery swagger, Kyler Murray’s electric speed, and Jalen Hurts’s ironclad resolve linger in the air, carried by the rumble of the Sooner Schooner. For any quarterback stepping into Norman, the weight of that legacy is heavier than an Oklahoma thunderstorm. Now, a new name is tasked with carrying it: John Mateer, the Washington State transfer who’s got the college football world buzzing. And none other than Super Bowl champion Jalen Hurts, OU’s own quarterbacking deity, has broken his silence on why Mateer’s arrival could be the spark the Sooners desperately need.
In a candid moment alongside NFL legend Gerald McCoy during the NFL Network’s Back Together Weekend, Hurts opened up about Mateer, the quarterback now charged with reviving Oklahoma’s gridiron glory. Caught off-guard but with a knowing smile, Hurts shared his advice for navigating the pressure cooker that is OU football. “Number one is just embracing everything that comes with a special place to play, a special support system, and support group,” Hurts said. He revealed he’s already connected with Mateer, adding, “I’ve had a conversation with him… I’m always supporting from afar. Always watching both schools.” For Hurts, who turned his own OU redemption arc into a Heisman-finalist season and NFL stardom, it’s personal. He knows what it takes to thrive under Norman’s unrelenting spotlight.
Mateer’s transfer to Oklahoma isn’t just a roster move—it’s a seismic shift for a program starving for a turnaround after two consecutive 6-7 seasons. With the SEC’s brutal gauntlet looming, the stakes are sky-high. Yet, the early buzz around Mateer suggests he’s built for the moment. New Sooners general manager Jim Nagy didn’t hold back, drawing bold comparisons to OU’s quarterbacking pantheon. “Getting John Mateer, he’s a difference-maker,” Nagy declared. “I think he’s kinda the next one in line.” Head coach Brent Venables doubled down at SEC Media Days, praising Mateer’s leadership, athleticism, and competitive fire. The message is clear: Oklahoma believes Mateer is the missing piece to reclaim their place among college football’s elite.
Mateer’s 2024 performance at Washington State wasn’t just good—it was jaw-dropping. He racked up 3,965 total offensive yards, including 3,139 passing and 826 rushing, while torching defenses with 44 total touchdowns (29 passing, 15 rushing). Compare that to his predecessor, Jackson Arnold, who managed 1,865 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2024, and it’s no wonder why excitement in Norman is palpable. The Athletic has ranked Mateer as the nation’s #4 overall quarterback and the top transfer QB, with analysts raving about his “speed and elusiveness” that “jump off the tape.” Coaches across the board echo this, showering him with “nearly universal” praise.
The inevitable comparisons to Baker Mayfield have already begun. Mateer’s scrambling, play-extending style and infectious leadership mirror the Heisman winner’s flair. Mayfield himself has leaned into the hype, noting similarities in their competitive spirit. Mateer, ever humble, calls the comparison an “honor” but insists he’s carving his own path. “I’m just trying to be the best version of myself for this team,” he said.
What sets Mateer apart isn’t just his stat line—it’s the seamless transition he’s made to OU. A major factor? His Washington State offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, followed him to Norman. “I didn’t have to learn a whole new offense,” Mateer explained. Instead, he’s focused on building bonds with his new teammates, understanding that true leadership starts with connection. The results are already showing. Defensive standout R Mason Thomas marveled at Mateer’s integration: “It felt like he’d been here for four years.” Safety Robert Spears-Jennings added, “With Arbuckle and John, they bring a different type of swag… the whole offense has embodied their swag.” This infectious energy could be the key to reviving a program desperate to escape mediocrity.
Hurts’s endorsement carries weight. He walked the same tightrope Mateer now faces, arriving at OU in need of redemption and leaving as a legend. His advice to “embrace the privilege” of playing at Oklahoma is more than a soundbite—it’s a roadmap. Mateer’s ability to handle the spotlight will define his legacy. With the SEC’s unforgiving schedule ahead, every snap will be a test. But if his Pac-12 dominance is any indication, Mateer’s dual-threat dynamism could turn OU’s playoff dreams into reality.
The whispers of OU’s quarterbacking greats still echo across the practice field. Now, John Mateer steps into their shadow, backed by the belief of a Super Bowl champ and a fanbase hungry for glory. Norman is watching, waiting, hoping. Can Mateer carry the torch? If Hurts’s words and Mateer’s tape are any clue, the Sooners might just have their next legend in the making.