“QB CONNECTION SEALED THE DEAL: Top Transfer RB Jadyn Ott Chooses Oklahoma Over Georgia Thanks to Addition of John Mateer”
When top transfer running back Jadyn Ott made the decision to commit to the University of Oklahoma, it sent a ripple through the college football landscape. Ott, who emerged as one of the most electric and consistent backs in the country during his time at Cal, was widely regarded as the top running back in the transfer portal. Programs across the country lined up to pitch their vision, offering him a featured role, high-powered offenses, and the opportunity to contend for a national championship. But as the smoke cleared, it came down to just two finalists—Georgia and Oklahoma. While Georgia’s pedigree as a recent national powerhouse was tempting, it was the arrival of quarterback John Mateer in Norman that ultimately swayed Ott’s decision. The chemistry, offensive vision, and long-term opportunity with Mateer under center proved too compelling to ignore.
Jadyn Ott’s rise began with his breakout freshman season at Cal, where his speed, vision, and explosiveness immediately turned heads. Though playing on a struggling team, Ott managed to rack up 897 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in his first year. His ability to cut on a dime and break off big runs despite inconsistent offensive line play made him a standout in the Pac-12. By his sophomore season, he had become the focal point of the Golden Bears’ offense, amassing over 1,200 rushing yards and proving he could also be a dangerous threat in the passing game. With his NFL stock on the rise and Cal transitioning into a new phase amid conference realignment, Ott chose to enter the portal—immediately becoming the most coveted running back available.
As programs began their recruitment, Georgia was the expected frontrunner. The Bulldogs have built a reputation as a running back factory, producing NFL-caliber talents like Nick Chubb, Sony Michel, D’Andre Swift, and James Cook. Georgia pitched Ott on tradition, championships, and the chance to play behind one of the nation’s top offensive lines. Head coach Kirby Smart emphasized the opportunity to be part of a balanced, pro-style offense while competing for SEC titles and College Football Playoff appearances. On paper, it was an ideal match for a back of Ott’s caliber.
Oklahoma, on the other hand, was undergoing an identity shift. Following a rollercoaster transition from the Lincoln Riley era and the departure of Dillon Gabriel, the Sooners were turning a new page offensively under offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and head coach Brent Venables. Arbuckle brought with him a fast-paced, explosive offensive system that had previously produced prolific numbers at Western Kentucky and Washington State. But the key variable in that scheme was the quarterback. And Oklahoma had just landed their own portal gem—dual-threat quarterback John Mateer from North Texas.
Mateer wasn’t a household name nationally, but those who had followed his journey knew he had all the tools to be a breakout star. A smart decision-maker with excellent mobility and a live arm, Mateer thrived in a spread system at North Texas, showing poise and creativity under pressure. He passed for over 2,800 yards and added 500 yards on the ground, showing the kind of dual-threat versatility Arbuckle loves to feature. When Ott sat down with Oklahoma’s staff, it wasn’t just the system that intrigued him—it was the opportunity to pair with a quarterback who could stretch defenses vertically and horizontally, creating the space and balance necessary for a running back to thrive.
What Ott saw in Mateer was more than just talent. It was fit, timing, and the chance to build something special together. According to sources close to Ott’s recruitment, the two hit it off quickly, bonding over film sessions and a shared vision for how the offense could flow. Ott admired Mateer’s leadership and humility, traits that resonated with the running back who had shouldered so much pressure at Cal. In Mateer, he saw not just a quarterback, but a partner who could keep defenses honest and elevate his own game to new heights.
Oklahoma’s offensive pitch became more convincing as Ott dove deeper into the playbook. Arbuckle’s system features wide splits, tempo, and a commitment to making defenses uncomfortable. Unlike the more traditional power-running schemes employed at Georgia, Oklahoma offered Ott a chance to operate in space, line up out wide, and be a central figure in the passing game. The opportunity to be used creatively, not just as a workhorse but as a weapon, appealed to Ott’s NFL ambitions. He had already proven he could run between the tackles—now he wanted to show scouts he could be a complete, modern back.
The Sooners also offered a compelling long-term vision. With the program entering the SEC, there was an urgency to reestablish dominance on a new stage. Venables and Arbuckle outlined a roadmap where Ott would be the face of an Oklahoma offense designed to light up scoreboards. It wasn’t just about touches—it was about impact. Ott would be the spark, the tone-setter, the player who could break a game open with one touch. And with Mateer by his side, defenses would be forced to pick their poison.
Ott’s choice wasn’t without pressure. Georgia fans expected to land him, and critics questioned whether Oklahoma could offer the same level of support or exposure. But Ott never wavered once the decision crystallized. The bond with Mateer and the trust in Arbuckle’s scheme tipped the scales. It wasn’t about going where the tradition was greatest—it was about going where the future looked brightest. In Ott’s own words, he wanted to be “part of something explosive, something new, something that could change the narrative.”
The reaction inside Oklahoma’s locker room was electric. Players knew the magnitude of Ott’s commitment. With Ott in the backfield and Mateer at quarterback, the Sooners had the foundation for one of the most dynamic backfields in the SEC. Wide receivers welcomed the balance Ott would bring, knowing defenses couldn’t load up on coverage. Offensive linemen saw the potential for big-play opportunities with Ott’s vision and acceleration. And for fans, Ott’s commitment signaled that Oklahoma was no longer rebuilding—it was reloading.
Early workouts and practices have already hinted at the chemistry brewing between Ott and Mateer. Their timing in read-option scenarios has impressed coaches, and Ott’s ability to turn short passes into explosive gains has added a new layer to Arbuckle’s scheme. Ott has also emerged as a leader, bringing a calm intensity and work ethic that’s elevated the standard in the running back room. The offensive staff has raved about his football IQ, his attention to detail in pass protection, and his willingness to do the dirty work when needed.
National pundits are beginning to take notice. While Georgia will always command attention due to its recent dominance, Oklahoma’s backfield has quickly become one of the most intriguing in the country. The idea of Ott operating in a wide-open SEC offense with Mateer at the helm has analysts predicting breakout numbers. And if the offensive line gels, there’s potential for Ott to surpass his previous career highs and enter serious Heisman contention.
The story of Jadyn Ott’s transfer is ultimately one about belief. Belief in a system, in a quarterback, and in a vision that prioritizes creativity and partnership. He could have chosen the blue-blood path, joined a machine that’s already rolling. But instead, he chose to build. He chose to align himself with a quarterback whose game complements his own, under a coordinator eager to unleash him in every way possible. It’s the kind of decision that could define a season—and perhaps a career.
As Oklahoma prepares for its inaugural SEC campaign, Ott’s presence adds legitimacy and fearlessness. The Sooners aren’t entering the conference as underdogs—they’re stepping in with swagger, talent, and a plan. And in Jadyn Ott, they’ve found their centerpiece. His decision may have started with a choice between two programs, but it ended with a bond between two players ready to rewrite the script together. The future in Norman looks fast, fearless, and fueled by the kind of connection that wins championships.
