‘It’s Oklahoma. Who doesn’t want to play for Oklahoma?’: Transfer QB John Mateer on choosing the Sooners over Miami, North Carolina.

John Mateer, a transfer quarterback from the University of Miami, has made waves in the college football world by choosing to join the Oklahoma Sooners for his next chapter. With offers from prestigious programs like Miami and North Carolina on the table, Mateer’s decision to take his talents to Norman was an exciting and strategic one. The Sooners, under head coach Brent Venables, have become one of the premier destinations for players looking to compete at the highest level, and Mateer’s commitment to Oklahoma only adds to that narrative.

In an exclusive interview, Mateer shared his thoughts on his decision, the recruiting process, and why Oklahoma was the perfect fit for him. His story is more than just about a transfer; it’s about the pull of a legacy program and the drive to succeed in one of college football’s most storied environments.

When the transfer portal opened, Mateer found himself at a crossroads. After spending his first few years at Miami, where he showed promise but faced stiff competition for playing time, he was looking for a fresh start—a program that could offer him a chance to develop and compete for a starting role. Mateer, a dynamic quarterback known for his dual-threat abilities, had several options at his disposal. Among the schools that came knocking were North Carolina, Miami, and Oklahoma.

Each school offered a different style of play and opportunity for growth, but there was one factor that ultimately tipped the scales in Oklahoma’s favor: tradition.

“Oklahoma is one of those programs that speaks for itself,” Mateer said. “When I thought about where I wanted to play, it came down to a few things: the competition, the coaching staff, and the culture. I’ve always admired what Oklahoma has been able to do over the years, and there’s a reason why they’re always in the hunt for championships. It was a no-brainer for me.”

Indeed, the Sooners have long been synonymous with college football greatness, boasting seven national championships and a rich history of producing elite quarterbacks. With a history that includes legendary names like Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts, the allure of playing for Oklahoma was simply too strong to ignore.

Mateer’s decision was not made lightly. He had built relationships with coaches at North Carolina and Miami, and both schools had made compelling pitches to bring him in. However, the prestige of Oklahoma and the opportunity to play under Brent Venables, an established defensive mind with a track record of success, played a huge role in his decision.

“Coach Venables is a great coach, and I know that he’s building something special at Oklahoma,” Mateer said. “The way he’s transformed this program since he got there is impressive. It’s clear he knows how to win, and I wanted to be a part of that.”

Oklahoma’s recent struggles on defense, particularly in the final years under former head coach Lincoln Riley, were well-documented. However, with Venables at the helm, the program has committed itself to rebuilding on that side of the ball while maintaining its explosive offensive identity. Venables’ defensive-minded approach complements Oklahoma’s high-octane offense, making it one of the most complete programs in the country.

Mateer’s decision to transfer to Oklahoma is a reflection of this new dynamic. While offensive success remains the hallmark of the program, the Sooners are positioning themselves to compete at the highest level on both sides of the ball. For a quarterback like Mateer, this was an attractive proposition.

“The way they play offense is exciting,” he said. “Oklahoma is always going to put up points, and that’s something that any quarterback wants to be a part of. But what really stood out to me was the way they’re putting things together on defense. Coach Venables has brought a new energy to this team, and I want to be a part of that.”

The opportunity to play in a program that has both a strong offense and a defense on the rise is rare in college football. Oklahoma’s move to the SEC in 2024 only adds to the excitement, as Mateer will be able to test himself against some of the best defenses in the country on a regular basis. In that sense, the Sooners’ current position is ideal for a quarterback who wants to play at the highest level of college football and prove himself on a national stage.

“I’m excited about what’s ahead for this team,” Mateer added. “Oklahoma is moving to the SEC, and I want to help the team make that transition as smooth as possible. The competition is going to be tough, but that’s what I want. I want to compete against the best, and I believe Oklahoma gives me the best chance to do that.”

One of the key reasons Mateer transferred was to find a situation where he could compete for the starting quarterback role. At Miami, Mateer played behind Tyler Van Dyke, one of the top quarterbacks in the ACC, and as a result, he wasn’t able to earn the starting spot. While Mateer showed flashes of brilliance during his time with the Hurricanes, he knew that in order to reach his full potential, he needed a fresh start.

Oklahoma, with its high-profile quarterback position and a system designed to maximize the talent of its signal-callers, was a perfect fit. However, the quarterback room at Oklahoma is as competitive as it gets, with both returning talent and highly-rated recruits vying for the top spot.

At the time of Mateer’s commitment, Oklahoma’s quarterback room included several potential candidates for the starting job. Dylan Gabriel, who had a solid stint as the starter in 2022, returned for another season with the Sooners, and several younger quarterbacks, including 2026 recruit Jackson Arnold, were also in the mix. The competition is fierce, but Mateer is up for the challenge.

“The competition doesn’t scare me,” Mateer said with confidence. “I’ve always embraced competition. It’s what drives me to get better. I know the guys in that quarterback room are talented, but I believe in my abilities, and I’m excited to compete for that starting job. I’m ready to put in the work and earn my spot.”

Mateer’s mindset and approach to competition is exactly what Venables and the coaching staff want to see. Having a quarterback who is not only talented but also driven to succeed is crucial for building a winning culture. For Mateer, the competition is simply an opportunity to show what he can do.

“I think the key to being successful is putting in the work every single day,” he said. “I’m going to do everything I can to help this team win, whether that’s as the starter or in a different role. My goal is to be the best quarterback I can be, and I know that’s going to take time and effort. But I’m ready for it.”

For Mateer, the decision to transfer to Oklahoma wasn’t just about football—it was about joining a program with a legacy of success and excellence. Oklahoma has been a dominant force in college football for decades, and the chance to play for such a storied program is an opportunity that many players would dream of.

“It’s Oklahoma. Who doesn’t want to play for Oklahoma?” Mateer remarked. “This is a program with a tradition of greatness. There’s a reason why they’ve been so successful for so long. The coaching staff, the players, the fans—it’s a special place. I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Oklahoma’s tradition of success at the quarterback position is another reason Mateer was drawn to the program. With former Heisman winners like Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts having played under center for the Sooners in recent years, the quarterback position at Oklahoma has long been one of the most coveted spots in college football.

“It’s a place that breeds great quarterbacks,” Mateer said. “When you think about the quarterbacks that have come through here, it’s humbling to be in the same room with those guys. I want to carry on that tradition and do everything I can to help this team win championships.”

The future for John Mateer at Oklahoma is full of promise. While the quarterback competition is bound to be fierce, Mateer’s talent, work ethic, and drive make him a strong contender to see the field early. Whether as a starter or in a rotational role, Mateer is eager to contribute to Oklahoma’s success in the upcoming seasons.

“I’m just ready to get started,” Mateer said. “This is a fresh start for me, and I couldn’t be more excited about the future. Oklahoma has everything I need to succeed, and I’m ready to do my part in bringing another championship to this incredible program.”

As Oklahoma prepares for its transition to the SEC and the challenges that come with it, having a player like Mateer in the fold will be invaluable. His ability to lead, compete, and elevate the offense will be crucial as the Sooners look to cement themselves as one of the nation’s top programs once again. The stage is set, and now it’s up to Mateer and the rest of the Oklahoma football team to make their mark in the SEC and beyond.

With John Mateer leading the charge, the future of Oklahoma football looks brighter than ever.