Brent Venables Confident Oklahoma Will Get Elite Quarterback Play and Strong Leadership from Rising Star John Mateer in 2025

Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables is not mincing words when it comes to his belief in quarterback John Mateer. With Dillon Gabriel off to Oregon and Jackson Arnold transferring to TCU, the Sooners are turning to Mateer, a redshirt sophomore who has flown largely under the national radar. But Venables is not concerned with outside perceptions—he’s focused on what he sees in practice, in the locker room, and in Mateer’s preparation. And what he sees is a player capable of producing “elite” quarterback play for a program undergoing a pivotal transition in its new SEC chapter.

It’s not often that a team facing turnover at the most critical position in football enters the summer with this level of internal confidence. But Mateer, who’s patiently waited for his opportunity, has earned the respect of Oklahoma’s coaching staff through his commitment, command of the offense, and growing vocal presence among his teammates. Venables’ public endorsement is not just coach speak—it reflects the Sooners’ broader belief that Mateer can not only hold down the position, but thrive in it.

“John’s a guy we believe in—plain and simple,” Venables said recently. “He’s smart, he’s tough, he’s competitive. He’s everything you want in a leader and he’s grown tremendously over the last year. We’re expecting elite quarterback play and leadership from him, and I know he’s going to deliver.”

Those are strong words from a defensive-minded head coach who has seen his fair share of top-tier quarterbacks during his years as a national championship-winning coordinator at Clemson. Venables isn’t the type to hand out praise lightly, which makes his comments all the more meaningful. They signal a turning point for the Oklahoma offense—and perhaps a window into what kind of identity the Sooners are hoping to shape in 2025 and beyond.

Mateer joined the Sooners as a three-star recruit in the 2022 class, originally seen as a developmental prospect with intriguing athletic tools. At 6-foot-1 and around 200 pounds, he doesn’t have the prototypical frame of some of his predecessors, but he’s made up for it with his football IQ, escapability, and poise. Over the last two seasons, he’s been learning behind Gabriel and Arnold, soaking in the nuances of the offense under coordinator Seth Littrell and quarterbacks coach Joe Jon Finley.

Though he’s only attempted a handful of passes in live game action, Mateer has impressed in scrimmages, practice settings, and more recently during spring ball. Those inside the program say he’s begun to separate himself not just with his arm, but with his voice. Leadership, Venables noted, is just as critical as mechanics.

“People underestimate how important presence is at that position,” Venables said. “You’ve got to be a guy who can command a room, command the huddle, and lift up the guys around you. John’s got that. He’s earned his teammates’ trust.”

That trust has come gradually but firmly. During Oklahoma’s spring practices, Mateer reportedly looked sharp, delivering passes with confidence and making quick decisions. He also made a point to be vocal during 7-on-7 sessions, organizing teammates before and after drills and holding himself accountable for every rep. It’s those little things that separate starters from backups.

For a program like Oklahoma, quarterback play isn’t just important—it’s foundational. From Sam Bradford and Landry Jones to Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts, the Sooners have long been known for their quarterback lineage. It’s a school where quarterback play is expected to be prolific. And now, as OU enters its inaugural season in the SEC, that standard is as high as ever. The pressure could be overwhelming for someone like Mateer, who’s never started a game. But Venables believes pressure is what reveals character—and that Mateer’s character is what sets him apart.

“We’ve watched him grow from a quiet guy trying to learn the playbook into someone who’s totally invested in the team’s success,” Venables said. “He’s spent the time in the film room, he’s worked on his timing with the receivers, and he’s not afraid of the moment.”

The Sooners will need Mateer to be ready for the moment right away. Their 2025 schedule is a gauntlet. The transition to the SEC comes with early matchups against Georgia and Tennessee, along with rivalry games against Texas and Arkansas. There will be no easing in, no soft landings. But that’s exactly why Venables is placing so much emphasis on leadership—and why he feels Mateer is the right man for the job.

“He doesn’t flinch,” Venables added. “That’s what I love about him. You throw something new at him, a different front, a pressure look, and he processes it. He’s coachable. That’s a trait you can build a team around.”

The Sooners’ offensive staff echoes that sentiment. Littrell, who took over play-calling duties late last season, has praised Mateer’s retention and decision-making. He’s said that while Mateer may not be the most physically imposing player, he knows where to go with the ball and rarely makes the same mistake twice. In the SEC, that kind of quick-thinking will be critical, especially against the fast, aggressive defenses the Sooners will now face regularly.

There’s also a layer of intrigue around how Littrell and Finley may tailor the offense to Mateer’s strengths. With Gabriel, the Sooners leaned heavily on tempo and vertical passing. Arnold brought more improvisational flair. With Mateer, the offense could feature more designed runs, quick throws, and misdirection—concepts that take advantage of his mobility and timing.

“He’s a dual-threat guy in the truest sense,” said one OU staffer. “He’s got the legs to move the chains and the mind to pick you apart. We’re excited to open up the playbook.”

Of course, excitement must be paired with results. Mateer has yet to face a top-10 defense or play in front of a hostile SEC crowd. There will be growing pains. But Venables isn’t concerned with a perfect quarterback—he wants a consistent one. Someone who leads by example, keeps the team steady in adversity, and handles both the highs and lows with maturity.

“John doesn’t get too high or too low. That’s rare in this game,” Venables said. “That kind of demeanor, especially in this league, is what gives us confidence in him.”

Off the field, Mateer has also been active in team-building efforts. He’s reportedly helped organize voluntary workouts, led film study groups, and been intentional about getting to know teammates on both sides of the ball. As one veteran player put it, “He talks to everyone. He makes you feel like you matter, even if you’re not a starter. That’s leadership.”

And leadership is exactly what Oklahoma needs in this new era. The SEC demands more—more toughness, more discipline, more buy-in. If Mateer can provide a steady hand at quarterback, it could allow the rest of the Sooners’ talented roster to play more freely. There’s plenty of skill position talent around him, including a deep receiver room and a reloaded offensive line. The pieces are there. Now, it’s about the guy who puts it all in motion.

Venables’ conviction about Mateer isn’t just optimism—it’s part of a larger vision for how Oklahoma will succeed in the SEC. The Sooners are betting on culture, chemistry, and preparation. They’re betting on a quarterback who’s taken the long road to the spotlight and isn’t rattled by expectations.

“You want a guy who’s waited for his shot and worked for it the whole way,” Venables said. “That’s John Mateer.”

If Venables is right, Oklahoma could be looking at not just a surprise contributor at quarterback, but a tone-setter for their SEC future. It’s a gamble—but one the Sooners are all-in on. And with Mateer leading the way, they believe it’s one worth taking.