John Mateer Calls His Transition to Oklahoma Football ‘Awesome’ as He Aims to Spark Sooner Offensive Revival

John Mateer’s football journey has taken a significant turn, and the former Washington State quarterback is making the most of it. After committing to the Oklahoma Sooners in December 2024, Mateer has immersed himself in the program and is already embracing the challenge of elevating one of college football’s most iconic teams. During his appearance at the prestigious Manning Passing Academy, Mateer couldn’t hide his excitement about his new environment, describing his transition to Norman as simply “awesome.”

The redshirt junior brings both talent and experience to the Sooners, who desperately need a spark on offense heading into their second season in the Southeastern Conference. Oklahoma struggled mightily on that side of the ball in 2024, finishing 119th in passing offense, an uncharacteristic drop-off for a program known for producing elite quarterbacks and explosive aerial attacks. But with Mateer’s arrival, there is cautious optimism that better days are ahead.

Coming off a breakout season with Washington State, Mateer compiled an impressive stat line that turned heads around the nation. He threw for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns, and added 826 yards on the ground, showcasing his dangerous dual-threat ability. His familiarity with offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle’s system, which he ran effectively at WSU, has positioned him as a key figure in Oklahoma’s quest to return to offensive prominence.

Speaking candidly at the Manning Passing Academy, Mateer reflected on the reception he’s received since arriving in Norman. “Everyone’s embraced me,” he said with a smile. “The coaches, my teammates—it’s been awesome. There’s a lot of pride in this program, and you feel it every day. I’m just grateful to be part of it and ready to help us win.”

Leadership is a top priority for Mateer, who understands the scrutiny and expectations that come with being a quarterback at Oklahoma. The Sooners have a storied quarterback legacy, with Heisman Trophy winners and first-round NFL draft picks dotting the program’s history. But in recent years, offensive inconsistency has plagued the team, and Mateer knows he has an opportunity to help turn things around.

His comfort with Arbuckle’s offensive philosophy is a major advantage. Arbuckle, who joined the Sooners’ staff before the 2024 season, implemented a system designed to maximize tempo, space, and big-play potential. While Oklahoma struggled to execute it effectively last season, Mateer’s proven success within the scheme offers hope that the Sooners can flip the script in 2025.

“It’s definitely helped that I’ve already run a lot of the concepts with Coach Arbuckle,” Mateer explained. “There’s familiarity, but every team and situation is different. I’m learning the nuances here, building relationships, and making sure I earn the respect of my teammates.”

One of the primary relationships Mateer is focused on is with standout wide receiver Deion Burks. Burks, who transferred to Oklahoma from Purdue prior to last season, is regarded as one of the most dynamic pass-catchers in the SEC. Despite Oklahoma’s struggles in the passing game last year, Burks showcased his potential with flashes of brilliance, and his chemistry with Mateer could be crucial in reigniting the Sooners’ offense.

“Deion’s a special talent,” Mateer said. “We’ve been putting in extra work, building that timing and trust. He’s explosive, has great hands, and understands the game. I think we can do some really good things together.”

Beyond individual connections, Mateer is also stepping into a leadership role within the locker room. As an experienced player who has competed in high-pressure environments, he’s well aware of what it takes to succeed in big moments. But he also recognizes the unique challenge of integrating into a new program with high expectations.

“You have to come in humble but confident,” Mateer noted. “I’m here to compete, to lead, and to help the team in any way I can. But it starts with building relationships, understanding the culture, and doing the work.”

The work is already underway as the Sooners prepare for their second SEC season. Last year’s introduction to the conference came with mixed results. Oklahoma showcased moments of competitiveness but ultimately fell short in key games due to offensive inconsistency. With powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Texas filling the SEC schedule, the margin for error is slim, and offensive efficiency is a must.

Mateer’s arrival could be the missing piece Oklahoma needs to climb back into contention. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs adds a dimension the Sooners lacked in 2024. Moreover, his understanding of Arbuckle’s system provides a level of continuity that should accelerate the offense’s growth.

“There’s definitely urgency,” Mateer admitted. “The SEC is no joke, and every week is a battle. But that’s why you come to a place like Oklahoma—to compete at the highest level, to play in big games, and to have a chance to win championships.”

Mateer’s presence also brings stability to a quarterback room that experienced its share of uncertainty in recent seasons. Injuries, transfers, and inconsistent performances have prevented Oklahoma from finding a long-term answer at the position. While Mateer still has to win the starting job, his credentials and experience give him a legitimate shot to be the leader under center when the season kicks off.

The Sooners’ fan base, known for its passion and high standards, is eager to see improvement, especially after an uncharacteristically down year offensively. For Mateer, the opportunity to wear the crimson and cream is both an honor and a responsibility he doesn’t take lightly.

“Oklahoma football is one of the biggest brands in the country,” he said. “The expectations are high, but that’s what you want as a competitor. You want to be part of something special, and I believe we can build something really good here.”

As summer workouts intensify and fall camp approaches, all eyes will be on Mateer and the Sooners. The transition has been “awesome,” as Mateer described, but the real test lies ahead on the field. With the SEC gauntlet looming and the weight of tradition on their shoulders, the Sooners are counting on Mateer to help restore their offensive identity.

If his performance at Washington State and his early integration at Oklahoma are any indication, Mateer is ready for the challenge. And for a program desperate for a spark, his arrival couldn’t have come at a better time.