Despite Not Playing a Single Snap Yet, Sooners’ John Mateer is Already Helping Oklahoma Recruit Their Next Great Quarterback

John Mateer hasn’t taken a single live-game snap for the Oklahoma Sooners yet, but his presence is already being felt well beyond the practice field. The redshirt freshman quarterback, once a lightly-recruited dual-threat out of Little Elm, Texas, is emerging as one of the most unlikely influencers in the Sooners’ quarterback room. Not for his game film or stat lines, but for his growing impact on Oklahoma’s future—especially when it comes to recruiting the next signal-caller to take over in Norman.

In today’s college football landscape, quarterback recruiting is more complicated than ever. With the transfer portal always looming, name-image-likeness (NIL) opportunities shaping decisions, and early commitments becoming more common, the process for landing a high-quality QB is now a multi-faceted challenge. That’s why what John Mateer is doing for the Sooners might be as valuable as any touchdown pass he eventually throws. He’s helping lay the groundwork for Oklahoma’s quarterback future by doing what many backups rarely get credit for—being the voice behind the scenes, the teammate other players trust, and now, the bridge between the coaching staff and the next big recruit.

Mateer’s role in Oklahoma’s quarterback room began almost anonymously. Coming in as part of the 2022 recruiting class, he was overshadowed by bigger names and higher-rated prospects. But his work ethic and understanding of the game quickly earned him the respect of coaches and teammates alike. Though he redshirted in his first year and hasn’t yet featured in game action, he has consistently drawn praise from the Sooners’ staff for his grasp of Jeff Lebby’s offensive system and his vocal leadership in the locker room.

What makes Mateer’s impact more intriguing is his understanding of what young quarterbacks are going through—because he just lived it. Having once navigated the recruiting maze himself, and doing so without the benefit of being a five-star headline-maker, he offers something different to prospective recruits: authenticity. When a high school quarterback visits campus or begins forming relationships with the staff, it’s often a player like Mateer—not the starting quarterback—that they speak to first. Coaches can pitch culture, system fit, and NIL potential all they want, but when it comes down to the unfiltered truth about life inside the program, recruits often lean on current players for the real story.

In that space, Mateer thrives. Teammates describe him as approachable, humble, and honest. His experience being a developmental guy—someone not handed the job or hyped beyond his capabilities—makes him relatable to prospects who might not be the top guy in their class. And even those elite recruits who are highly rated benefit from his insights into how Oklahoma grooms quarterbacks. For them, it’s not about whether they can play—it’s about whether they can thrive in the high-pressure, high-expectation environment that defines Sooners football. Mateer doesn’t sugarcoat things, and that honesty has helped Oklahoma build trust with young signal-callers exploring their options.

One staff member noted that Mateer has taken on a “peer recruiter” role organically. “He’s not out here trying to sell a pitch. He’s just being himself—answering questions, sharing his experience, and really making guys feel like they can fit in here,” the staffer said. That can’t be overstated in its importance. Coaches can spend years crafting a program’s image, but a recruit who hears the same values echoed by a player—especially one not on the field yet—tends to walk away with more confidence in their decision.

There’s also a subtle wisdom in Mateer’s approach. He knows he’s not the starter right now. He knows he may never be the long-term QB1 at Oklahoma. But instead of being bitter or disconnected, he’s leaned into the team’s success and his own unique value. That self-awareness has helped create a team culture where even non-starters feel empowered and involved. It’s a dynamic Oklahoma hopes will translate to on-field success and long-term roster stability in a position group that sees more turnover than any other.

The Sooners have big plans at quarterback. With five-star 2026 and 2027 targets on their radar and a national brand to uphold, quarterback recruiting will always be front and center in Norman. The competition is fierce. Texas, Georgia, Alabama, USC—every elite program wants the same guys. Oklahoma has to find an edge, and in some ways, John Mateer provides it. He’s the familiar face, the unpolished gem who knows the system cold and welcomes every newcomer like they’re already part of the family. That kind of connection is hard to manufacture, and for a position as scrutinized as quarterback, it can make all the difference.

Mateer’s relationship-building skills are not just helpful during unofficial visits or phone conversations. They’re also instrumental during camps and practice sessions. When younger players are brought in to watch how the team trains or takes in a spring scrimmage, Mateer’s role as a mentor becomes evident. He’s the guy breaking down the playbook on the sideline, explaining what’s happening in real time, and helping paint a mental picture of what life as a Sooner quarterback looks like day to day. And when you’re trying to convince a 17-year-old that he can lead one of the most storied programs in college football, those personal touches matter.

But it isn’t just about what Mateer says. It’s how he carries himself. Coaches and teammates consistently rave about his professionalism. He treats every practice like it’s game day and every rep like it might be his last. He sets the tone for younger players in the film room and is often one of the first guys to volunteer for extra work. That mentality becomes a selling point for the program. Recruits see that dedication from someone who hasn’t yet reaped the reward of playing time, and they understand that this isn’t just talk—this is Oklahoma.

It’s possible that Mateer’s on-field moment will come, maybe due to injury, or maybe after years of developing behind the scenes. If it does, the Sooners know they have a quarterback who’s prepared. But even if he never becomes a household name on Saturdays, his contributions to the program may already be cemented in something more lasting than a stat sheet: the relationships he’s building and the culture he’s helping to sustain. In the age of constant transfers and quick exits, that kind of stability is gold.

The Sooners’ coaching staff, led by Brent Venables and new offensive minds adapting to the post-Lebby era, are keenly aware of how much character matters in the quarterback room. They want guys who aren’t just here for the cameras or the glory. They want leadership. They want culture carriers. They want players who, when the next quarterback walks in the door, will be there to shake his hand, show him the locker room, walk him through the expectations, and make him believe that Oklahoma is not just a place to play, but a place to grow.

That’s what John Mateer is doing. Every day. Without throwing a single touchdown pass. Without rushing for a first down. Without ever appearing on the box score. His impact is felt through handshakes, conversations, shared meals, late-night film sessions, and text threads that never get published. His name might not be the one recruits commit to, but it might just be the one that helps them say yes in the first place.

So when Oklahoma lands its next prized quarterback recruit—whether it’s a five-star from California or a raw talent from Texas—don’t be surprised if, somewhere along the way, they mention a guy named John Mateer. A guy who never played a down but made them feel like they were already home. A guy who showed them what it truly means to wear the crimson and cream.