Oklahoma GM Boldly Declares John Mateer in the Same Elite Tier as Jalen Hurts Ahead of Anticipated 2025 Football Season

In a statement that reverberated across the college football landscape and beyond, Oklahoma’s general manager has boldly placed quarterback John Mateer in the same elite conversation as Philadelphia Eagles star and former Alabama/Oklahoma standout Jalen Hurts. With the 2025 season rapidly approaching and expectations mounting in Norman, this comparison is far from just a flattering compliment—it’s a declaration of belief in a quarterback many still consider a relative unknown on the national stage. But if you ask the decision-makers inside the Sooners’ program, Mateer’s rise is anything but surprising.

John Mateer isn’t a household name—yet. Entering the 2025 campaign, he’s gone from a developmental backup to the face of one of college football’s most storied programs. His journey, which began with flashes of promise and glimpses of grit, has accelerated rapidly over the past 18 months. Now entrusted with the keys to the offense, Mateer finds himself leading a team looking to reassert dominance in the SEC and chase a national title. But even amid the anticipation, the GM’s comparison to Hurts was met with raised eyebrows. That is, until he explained exactly what he meant.

“It’s not just about the physical tools,” Oklahoma’s GM said in a recent media availability. “It’s the demeanor, the leadership, the way he commands a room, a huddle, a locker room. John Mateer has all of that. He reminds me of Jalen Hurts every time I see him prepare, speak, lead. People are going to see it this year. They’ll understand what we already know internally.”

Comparisons to Hurts aren’t handed out lightly. The 2023 NFL MVP runner-up, Hurts is known not only for his dual-threat capabilities but also for his intense work ethic, leadership under pressure, and his ability to elevate the players around him. After beginning his college career at Alabama, Hurts transferred to Oklahoma for his final season and thrived under then-head coach Lincoln Riley, finishing second in the 2019 Heisman Trophy voting. For the GM to compare Mateer to Hurts isn’t just a nod to their shared Sooners lineage—it’s a statement about Mateer’s potential impact.

From a physical standpoint, Mateer may not match Hurts’ raw athleticism or power, but what he lacks in physical dominance, he makes up for in precision and intelligence. Coaches have raved about his understanding of the playbook and his ability to make quick reads, calling him “an extension of the offensive coordinator on the field.” In offseason workouts and spring practices, Mateer showcased a calm command of the offense that turned heads. Multiple observers within the program noted that he’s not only grown more vocal but more confident in dictating tempo, adjusting protections, and setting the tone in practice.

It hasn’t always been a straight path for Mateer. He arrived at Oklahoma with little fanfare compared to some of the blue-chip recruits that have come through the program in recent years. There were moments when it seemed like he might simply fade into the background of a crowded quarterback room. But he never allowed circumstances to define him. Instead, he embraced the grind, stayed late for film sessions, and slowly earned the trust of the coaching staff.

“He wasn’t handed anything,” said one Oklahoma assistant coach. “Everything John has right now, he earned. That’s why guys believe in him. He’s not a hype-machine quarterback. He’s a worker. That’s exactly how Jalen was. That’s why the comparison isn’t far-fetched.”

Beyond the walls of the Sooners’ football complex, analysts are beginning to take notice too. While Mateer’s stat line from his limited action in 2024 wasn’t headline-grabbing, his efficiency, poise, and decision-making showed signs of someone who’s ready for the big stage. He completed over 70% of his passes in spot duty, showed mobility when necessary, and rarely put the ball in harm’s way. Now, with the job unquestionably his, the Sooners are tailoring the offense around his strengths. That includes more pre-snap movement, quicker reads, and tempo-based concepts that play to Mateer’s cerebral approach.

One area where Mateer has already drawn rave reviews is leadership. Teammates routinely cite his work ethic as unmatched, and multiple players have noted that Mateer has quietly become the team’s emotional center. After a disappointing close to the 2024 season, it was Mateer who gathered players during winter workouts and delivered a passionate message about commitment, unity, and legacy. It reportedly left a lasting impression on the roster.

“John’s not the loudest guy in the room, but when he talks, you listen,” said a senior wide receiver. “He’s earned that right. He holds everyone accountable, including himself. That’s what makes him special.”

The Sooners’ GM insists the Hurts comparison isn’t about putting unnecessary pressure on Mateer—it’s about giving him the respect he’s already earned. “When we talk about players like Jalen, we’re talking about more than talent,” he said. “We’re talking about how they affect everyone around them. John does that. He’s going to surprise people. He’s already surprised us.”

Still, comparisons are dangerous in college football, a sport where narratives often change weekly. Mateer’s biggest challenge will come when the lights are bright and the defenses are elite. The SEC gauntlet promises little room for error, and for Oklahoma, the move to the league has heightened expectations and scrutiny. But inside the program, there is no doubt. Coaches believe in Mateer’s ability to handle the pressure and lead this team where it wants to go.

What’s more, they believe the outside world will finally see what they’ve known for some time.

“He’s ready,” said one offensive lineman. “And we’re ready to go with him.”

With summer workouts beginning and fall camp looming, Mateer will continue to sharpen his mechanics, build chemistry with his receivers, and embrace his role as the new face of the Oklahoma offense. If he delivers on the trust being placed in him, the Sooners could be in for a special season. If he exceeds it, the GM’s comparison may no longer sound bold—it might just prove prophetic.

In the age of NIL deals, transfer portal chaos, and fleeting team continuity, having a quarterback who commands respect, stability, and attention is invaluable. That’s what Jalen Hurts brought to both Alabama and Oklahoma—and what he now brings to the NFL. If Mateer follows a similar trajectory, the Sooners won’t just contend in the SEC—they’ll contend nationally.

For now, the spotlight is on John Mateer, and the words of his GM echo louder by the day: “Same league as Jalen Hurts.” Time will tell if the world agrees. But in Norman, the belief is already cemented.