Ex-Cougar John Mateer Named Among Top-10 QBs in College Football for 2025
As college football fans prepare for the 2025 season, a new crop of quarterbacks is stepping into the spotlight, looking to make their mark and lead their teams to glory. One such quarterback whose name has emerged as a standout is former BYU Cougar, John Mateer. While Mateer may not be the most well-known player in the country just yet, his meteoric rise to one of the top 10 quarterbacks in college football has garnered significant attention from coaches, scouts, and analysts alike. The 2025 season looks set to be a defining one for Mateer, who has become a force to be reckoned with in the college football world.
Early Life and Rise to Prominence
John Mateer’s journey to the top of college football was not an easy one. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Mateer always had a passion for football. His high school career was marked by success, as he led his team to state championships and earned numerous accolades for his athleticism, leadership, and ability to perform under pressure. However, despite his obvious talent, Mateer flew under the radar of some of the bigger college football programs.
Mateer’s college recruitment was relatively quiet, but BYU recognized his potential early on and extended an offer to join their program. Choosing the Cougars proved to be a wise decision for Mateer, who thrived in BYU’s pass-heavy offense and quickly turned heads as a freshman. His strong arm, poise in the pocket, and ability to read defenses impressed not only his coaches but also those around the country who were watching his rapid development.
BYU Career: Establishing Himself as a Star
Mateer’s first year as a starter at BYU was an eye-opening one for the college football world. While he entered a program that had a history of strong quarterbacks, including legends like Steve Young and Ty Detmer, Mateer’s unique skill set stood out from the rest. In his freshman season, he posted impressive statistics, throwing for over 3,000 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions. What set him apart from many quarterbacks at the time was his ability to make throws all over the field, including deep bombs down the sideline, tight-window throws across the middle, and precise timing routes on third downs.
But it wasn’t just his arm strength that earned him praise. His football IQ was beyond his years, as he demonstrated an uncanny ability to read opposing defenses and make quick decisions in high-pressure situations. Additionally, Mateer’s mobility allowed him to extend plays when the pocket broke down, making him a dual threat who could also make plays with his legs when necessary.
Throughout his early years at BYU, Mateer’s game continued to evolve. Under the guidance of BYU’s coaching staff, he refined his mechanics, worked on his timing with his receivers, and improved his ability to perform in clutch moments. He also became a leader in the locker room, earning the respect of his teammates and coaching staff with his work ethic, dedication, and calm demeanor.
A Breakout 2024 Season: Making His Mark Nationally
By the time the 2024 season rolled around, John Mateer was no longer just a promising talent; he was a bonafide star. As a sophomore, Mateer led BYU to a remarkable season, including a run to a major bowl game. His stats from that season were eye-popping, as he threw for over 4,200 yards and 35 touchdowns, while maintaining a completion percentage over 65%. His ability to read defenses and make accurate throws, even under pressure, turned him into one of the most feared quarterbacks in the country.
But it wasn’t just his numbers that made Mateer stand out—it was his ability to perform in the biggest moments. In critical games against ranked opponents, Mateer consistently rose to the occasion, leading his team to come-from-behind victories and making clutch throws in the final minutes of games. His performance in a thrilling victory over an SEC powerhouse was one of the highlights of his career, as he threw for 400 yards and four touchdowns, including a game-winning drive that left the nation in awe.
Mateer’s success during the 2024 season caught the attention of both NFL scouts and college football analysts. His name began circulating in discussions of the nation’s top quarterbacks, with many labeling him as a potential top-5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. As the offseason approached, it was clear that Mateer had earned his place among the best quarterbacks in college football, and his reputation was only growing.
Entering the 2025 Season: Among the Top 10 QBs in College Football
Heading into the 2025 season, Mateer is widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. His impressive 2024 campaign has placed him firmly among the top 10 quarterbacks heading into the season. Numerous football analysts have ranked him as a top contender for the prestigious Heisman Trophy, and many have projected him to be a top selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. With his combination of arm strength, accuracy, mobility, and leadership, it’s easy to see why Mateer is generating such excitement.
One of the key factors that will help Mateer in 2025 is his supporting cast. BYU has assembled one of the most talented rosters in recent memory, with an experienced offensive line, an explosive group of wide receivers, and a solid running game that will help take pressure off of him. The offensive scheme, which allows Mateer to show off his full range of skills, will also play a significant role in his success.
Mateer’s ability to adjust to different defensive schemes will be tested as well. In 2025, he will face tougher competition from other Power 5 teams, and many eyes will be on him as he tries to continue his development while facing some of the best defenses in the country. His ability to read blitzes, deal with pressure, and take care of the football will be crucial if BYU hopes to continue its success and compete for a conference title.
Scouting John Mateer’s Strengths and Weaknesses
As one of the top quarterbacks entering the 2025 season, Mateer is being closely examined by NFL scouts and analysts. His strengths are numerous and have helped him become a star at BYU.
- Arm Strength: Mateer possesses an elite arm that allows him to make every throw in the book. Whether it’s a deep shot down the field, a touch pass to the sideline, or a quick slant over the middle, his arm strength allows him to fit the ball into tight windows with ease. His deep-ball accuracy is particularly impressive, as he can throw with velocity while maintaining precision.
- Mobility: Mateer is not a quarterback who relies solely on his arm; he is also a very capable runner. His mobility allows him to escape pressure and extend plays when the pocket breaks down. He has a natural feel for when to move and when to stay in the pocket, which makes him a dual threat that can attack defenses in multiple ways.
- Football IQ: Perhaps the most impressive part of Mateer’s game is his football IQ. He has an innate ability to read defenses and make quick, accurate decisions. His ability to recognize blitzes, identify defensive coverages, and quickly process information has made him one of the smartest quarterbacks in college football.
- Clutch Factor: Mateer has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to perform in clutch situations. His composure in high-pressure moments and his ability to lead game-winning drives make him an ideal candidate to handle the pressures of both college football and the NFL.
Despite these strengths, Mateer does have some areas that he needs to improve:
- Consistency: While Mateer is capable of making spectacular throws, there are times when he can struggle with consistency, particularly on shorter throws. Improving his mechanics and fine-tuning his footwork will help him eliminate these inconsistencies.
- Pocket Awareness: While Mateer is good at escaping pressure, sometimes he can hold onto the ball too long, waiting for plays to develop. Developing quicker decision-making in the pocket will be key to minimizing sacks and turnovers.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for John Mateer?
As the 2025 season kicks off, John Mateer will be one of the most closely watched quarterbacks in college football. His chance to continue his meteoric rise and cement himself as a top prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft is within reach. Mateer will face new challenges and tougher competition, but with his skills and determination, he’s ready to prove that he belongs among the best quarterbacks in the country.
BYU fans and college football enthusiasts alike will be watching with anticipation as Mateer takes the field in 2025. His journey from a promising freshman to a top-10 quarterback prospect has been nothing short of extraordinary, and the 2025 season promises to be the next chapter in what could be an unforgettable college career.
