Oklahoma Sooners QB John Mateer Channels Baker Mayfield Energy After Venmo Apology as Heisman Buzz Grows Louder Nationwide

Oklahoma has long been a program defined by its quarterbacks. From Sam Bradford to Kyler Murray, from Jalen Hurts to Baker Mayfield, the Sooners have produced field generals who not only command games but capture headlines and shape narratives that transcend the sport. Now, John Mateer, the Washington State transfer with a cannon arm, mobility, and an unmistakable edge, is thrust squarely into that spotlight. And like Mayfield before him, his rise isn’t coming without controversy.

Mateer arrived in Norman this offseason with the kind of résumé that makes fans salivate. At Washington State, he threw for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns last season, dazzling Pac-12 defenses with his ability to stretch the field while keeping plays alive with his legs. He didn’t just put up numbers; he flashed the swagger and fearlessness that Oklahoma fans have craved ever since Mayfield planted the flag at midfield in Columbus. That blend of productivity and personality has already sparked speculation that Mateer could be the next Sooner to hold up the Heisman Trophy in New York.

But what truly lit the fuse on Mateer’s Heisman chatter wasn’t just his play. It was a scandal and his subsequent handling of it. Earlier this month, Venmo transactions began surfacing that suggested Mateer may have dabbled in sports gambling during his time at Washington State. Screenshots were circulated on social media, sparking a frenzy that threatened to derail his Oklahoma tenure before it even began. In a sport increasingly wary of gambling’s influence, such allegations are no small matter. The optics alone could have been damning.

Mateer, however, responded in a way that immediately called to mind the defiant playbook of Baker Mayfield. On August 12, he posted a public apology via the Notes app on his phone—an almost meme-worthy strategy athletes often employ to address controversy. He denied the gambling allegations outright, saying the transactions were misinterpreted and unrelated to any betting activity. More importantly, he acknowledged the scrutiny and apologized for the distraction, taking ownership in a way that soothed concerns inside the program. To many, the move echoed Mayfield’s infamous apology after his taunting gesture toward Kansas players in 2017—a moment that, ironically, only solidified his legend among Sooner fans.

The comparison to Mayfield is impossible to ignore, and national analysts have wasted no time drawing the parallels. ESPN’s Greg McElroy called Mateer “a player who’s got some Baker in him—not just in style, but in moxie.” Fans on social media have been quick to echo that sentiment, pointing out Mateer’s dual-threat playmaking, his fiery demeanor in practice, and now, his willingness to own the spotlight even when it’s uncomfortable. Heisman chatter, once a whisper, is now a full-blown roar.

Not everyone, however, is ready to crown him just yet. Oklahoma general manager Jim Nagy urged caution, warning against the perils of inflating expectations too soon. “He’s talented, no doubt,” Nagy said. “But let’s pump the brakes until he proves it against SEC competition.” That tempered note of realism is important, especially with Oklahoma making its highly anticipated SEC debut this fall. The Sooners open against Auburn on August 30, and Mateer’s performance in that game could go a long way in shaping his reputation not just with voters but with his teammates.

Inside the Sooners’ camp, though, belief in Mateer is running high. Linebacker Kip Lewis described his new quarterback as “nasty,” a compliment that captures Mateer’s edge and competitiveness. Lewis elaborated, saying, “He’s got that dog in him. He’s not afraid to get in your face, not afraid to lead. That’s what we need in this league.” Such testimonials matter, especially as Mateer attempts to not only replace departed leadership but also carve his own space in a locker room full of SEC-ready athletes.

Perhaps most importantly, Mateer is arriving in Norman at a moment when college football is more star-driven than ever before. With the explosion of Name, Image, and Likeness deals, quarterbacks are now national brands as much as they are players. Mateer already has a seven-figure NIL agreement under his belt, further adding to the scrutiny and expectations. The stakes are higher than they were for Mayfield, who captured the Heisman in 2017 before NIL transformed the sport. Today, quarterbacks like Mateer don’t just play; they market, they trend, they embody programs.

It’s that intersection of playmaking, controversy, and charisma that makes Mateer such a fascinating figure. His redemption arc—whether fair or premature—has already taken shape. From Venmo scandal to apology to being dubbed the “next Baker,” his story has become a microcosm of the modern college football narrative: messy, magnified, and magnetic.

The question now is whether Mateer can deliver on the field the way Mayfield did. Mayfield’s Heisman campaign wasn’t just built on swagger; it was backed up by dominant performances in big moments. If Mateer wants to follow that path, it begins with Auburn on August 30, followed by a gauntlet of SEC defenses unlike anything he saw in the Pac-12. For all his yardage and touchdowns last year, the true test lies ahead, in stadiums like Tuscaloosa, Baton Rouge, and Athens. If he thrives there, Heisman whispers will become shouts too loud to ignore.

And yet, even if Mateer falls short of New York glory, his arrival has already energized Norman. After years of transition—coaching changes, roster shuffles, the looming SEC move—Oklahoma fans are craving a face of the program. In Mateer, they see not only a quarterback but a personality who can carry the torch of Mayfield’s bravado and Kyler Murray’s brilliance. They see a player who embraces both the glory and the chaos of being QB1 in crimson and cream.

The Baker Mayfield stunt may not have been intentional, but it has firmly planted Mateer into the national conversation. Whether the Venmo saga becomes a footnote or a defining moment remains to be seen. For now, though, Heisman shouts are pouring in, and the Sooners’ faithful are daring to dream again. Oklahoma thrives on quarterbacks who stir emotion, who make headlines, who play with a chip on their shoulder. Mateer has already checked those boxes. The rest will play out on the field, one SEC showdown at a time.

In the end, John Mateer’s story is no longer about Venmo or apologies. It’s about opportunity, redemption, and the echoes of Baker Mayfield. If he delivers, Norman may once again be the center of the college football universe. If he falters, his tale will still be remembered as a bold, wild ride that embodied the essence of Oklahoma football. Either way, the stage is set, the comparisons are drawn, and the Heisman buzz is louder than ever.