“‘Turned the Money Down to Be Here’ — Brent Venables Praises QB John Mateer’s Loyalty, Leadership, and Star Power at SEC Media Days”
At the 2025 SEC Media Days in Atlanta, Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables took the stage with intensity, conviction, and a clear message about the trajectory of his program. One of the central figures in his remarks was redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer, a transfer from Washington State whose decision to join the Sooners wasn’t driven by financial gain but by belief in the program’s direction. Mateer, who dazzled in 2024 with a jaw-dropping 44 total touchdowns, was a coveted commodity in the transfer portal. Schools like Miami and North Carolina came calling with aggressive NIL deals, reportedly offering him significant financial incentives. But Mateer turned it all down for a chance to wear the crimson and cream, a decision Venables holds in the highest regard.
“Turned the money down to be here,” Venables said, his voice full of pride and respect. That simple sentence spoke volumes. In an age where NIL deals often shape the college football landscape, Mateer’s choice reflects a throwback mentality rooted in purpose, passion, and loyalty. According to Venables, that’s the kind of player Oklahoma needs as it embarks on its inaugural season in the Southeastern Conference. The Sooners are not just looking for talent—they’re building a culture. And Mateer, by all accounts, embodies everything they want at the quarterback position.
Mateer’s numbers alone justify the hype. He threw for 3,139 yards and 36 touchdowns while adding 826 yards and eight scores on the ground last season. But it’s not just his stats that have captivated the Oklahoma staff. It’s his competitive fire, his leadership, and his ability to elevate those around him. Venables compared his style of play to watching a game in fast-forward, noting, “He plays like he’s in fast forward. Everything’s urgent, deliberate, and fierce.” Those traits have already made a strong impression on teammates, who’ve lauded Mateer’s commitment during offseason workouts and film sessions.
Much of Oklahoma’s offseason has centered around transformation. Coming off a 6-7 campaign, the Sooners knew they had to reset on multiple levels—philosophically, schematically, and emotionally. Enter Ben Arbuckle, the new offensive coordinator who arrives with a proven track record of developing explosive, high-tempo offenses. His arrival signals a desire to maximize Mateer’s dual-threat skill set, providing the Sooners with a system that complements his strengths. Arbuckle and Mateer have already begun crafting a fast-paced, aggressive offense that relies heavily on Mateer’s quick processing and athleticism.
Venables emphasized the urgency of getting it right this year. The SEC doesn’t offer soft landings. Oklahoma’s new conference slate is filled with formidable opponents, making every detail—every rep, every film session, every practice snap—matter that much more. The season opens August 30 against Illinois State, a game the Sooners are expected to win, but one that sets the tone for what lies ahead. From there, it’s a relentless grind through a gauntlet of SEC defenses that will challenge Mateer at every turn. But if you ask Venables, there’s no one better suited for the job.
Mateer’s journey to Oklahoma wasn’t linear. Coming out of high school in Texas, he was lightly recruited and landed at Washington State, where he steadily rose through the ranks. By 2024, he had blossomed into one of the nation’s most dangerous offensive weapons, leading Washington State to a nine-win season and lighting up Pac-12 scoreboards. His ability to extend plays, command the pocket, and hurt defenses with his legs made him a nightmare to prepare for. When he entered the portal, there was a feeding frenzy—but his conversations with Venables struck a different chord.
“It wasn’t about money or hype,” Mateer reportedly told friends and family. “It was about going somewhere that believed in me and had a real plan.” That mindset resonated deeply with Oklahoma’s staff. They weren’t just selling him on tradition or facilities—they were offering him a leadership role, a chance to resurrect a proud program, and the opportunity to lead it into a new era. In Mateer, they saw a quarterback capable of igniting the fanbase and commanding the huddle.
Leadership has been a theme that continues to surface whenever Mateer’s name is mentioned. Venables spoke extensively about the way Mateer has integrated himself into the locker room, earning the trust of veterans and the admiration of younger players. He’s known for staying after practice to work with receivers, organizing team workouts, and even challenging the defense during competitive drills. “He’s got that alpha gene,” Venables said. “He walks in a room, and guys straighten up. He’s not loud, but he’s respected. And when he talks, people listen.”
The respect goes both ways. Mateer has praised the staff’s transparency and willingness to challenge him. He knows the expectations are sky-high, especially with the program transitioning into the toughest conference in college football. But he’s embracing the pressure. In his words, pressure is a privilege. That mindset has made him a magnet for teammates seeking stability, direction, and a leader who thrives in chaos.
Arbuckle’s offensive vision further fuels the optimism. Known for his time at Western Kentucky and most recently Texas Tech, Arbuckle is regarded as one of the brightest young minds in the game. His offenses have consistently ranked among the nation’s best in yards per play, tempo, and explosive scoring. The pairing with Mateer is already generating buzz behind the scenes. They’ve developed a strong rapport, blending Arbuckle’s aggressive play-calling with Mateer’s quick trigger and fearless decision-making.
Oklahoma’s receiving corps will also benefit. Returners like Jayden Gibson and Nic Anderson provide size and speed, while transfers from the portal bring added depth and versatility. Arbuckle’s system emphasizes quick reads and vertical threats, which plays into Mateer’s strengths as a rhythm passer who isn’t afraid to push the ball downfield. The running back room, led by Javontae Barnes and a couple of highly touted freshmen, offers balance and play-action opportunities. In short, this offense has the pieces to be lethal—and it all starts with Mateer at the controls.
Defensively, Venables is banking on continuity and development. But more than Xs and Os, he’s counting on the cultural foundation he’s been building since taking over the program. That foundation got a major boost when Mateer walked away from bigger paydays and higher NIL valuations to join Oklahoma. It sent a message—one Venables hopes resonates with fans, recruits, and the college football world at large.
“You can’t put a price on belief,” Venables said. “When a guy like John chooses your program, when he buys into what you’re building—not because it’s easy or flashy, but because it’s meaningful—that says everything.”
For Oklahoma fans, Mateer’s presence represents more than just a talented quarterback under center. It symbolizes a new chapter, a new energy, and a commitment to core values that transcend stats and awards. They see a player who’s all-in, who understands the weight of the jersey, and who’s hungry to return the Sooners to national prominence. And they’re ready to rally behind him.
The road ahead won’t be easy. The SEC demands consistency, toughness, and the ability to adapt weekly. But Oklahoma now has a quarterback who embraces those challenges, who thrives when the lights are brightest, and who chose the Sooners not because it was the comfortable choice—but because it was the right one for him.
As the countdown to the season opener begins, the Sooners are hard at work refining their identity. With Venables setting the tone, Arbuckle crafting the scheme, and Mateer leading the charge, Oklahoma is aiming for more than a bounce-back year—they’re looking to make a statement. One rooted in grit, growth, and the kind of loyalty that doesn’t show up on a stat sheet but means everything in the locker room.
“Turned the money down to be here.” It’s a quote that might just define the Sooners’ 2025 season. And if John Mateer plays the way his coaches believe he can, it won’t be long before the entire SEC—and the nation—takes notice.
