Oklahoma icon Baker Mayfield drops words of wisdom for John Mateer ahead of 2025 CFB season as hype train grows around Sooners star
As the 2025 college football season approaches, one of the most talked-about players in the country is Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer. Known for his electrifying play, dual-threat ability, and leadership on and off the field, Mateer has quickly risen to the top of many preseason Heisman discussions. With the hype train growing louder by the day, Mateer is feeling the pressure of living up to the enormous expectations placed on his shoulders. But it’s not just the fans and analysts who have taken notice of his potential—there’s someone much more familiar with that kind of pressure offering words of advice and guidance: Baker Mayfield.
Mayfield, the Oklahoma icon and 2017 Heisman Trophy winner, is no stranger to the weight of being a quarterback at a program with such rich tradition. His time in Norman was defined by record-breaking performances, clutch plays, and a level of swagger that made him one of the most beloved figures in college football history. Now, as the hype surrounding Mateer continues to grow, Mayfield has stepped in as a mentor to the young quarterback, offering advice and sharing some of the lessons he learned during his own journey to stardom.
“I see a lot of myself in John,” Mayfield said in a recent interview, reflecting on his early days at Oklahoma and the rise of Mateer. “The confidence, the drive, the ability to make plays that others can’t—he’s got all of that. But more importantly, he’s got the mindset and the humility to take on the challenges ahead. I was in his shoes once, and I know what it takes to be successful at this level.”
John Mateer’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of meteoric. After an impressive freshman season in 2023, where he showed flashes of brilliance in both the passing and running game, Mateer took a huge leap forward in 2024. Under head coach Brent Venables, Mateer has continued to develop into one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the nation. His dual-threat ability—combining a strong arm with elite mobility—has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and his poise in the pocket has shown maturity well beyond his years.
In his sophomore campaign, Mateer led the Sooners to an 11-2 record, throwing for over 3,500 yards and 32 touchdowns while rushing for an additional 700 yards and 9 touchdowns. His performances in big games, particularly in Oklahoma’s victories over rivals Texas and Oklahoma State, have only fueled the growing hype surrounding his potential. Many analysts are already predicting that Mateer could be the next great Oklahoma quarterback, following in the footsteps of legends like Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts.
But with the praise and accolades has come a fair amount of pressure. As one of the most high-profile quarterbacks in the nation, Mateer is now expected to lead the Sooners not just to another successful season, but to a College Football Playoff berth and, potentially, a national championship. That’s where Mayfield’s words of wisdom come into play.
Baker Mayfield’s time at Oklahoma was defined by a unique blend of cocky confidence, mental toughness, and elite playmaking ability. He arrived in Norman as a walk-on and left as one of the most decorated quarterbacks in college football history. Along the way, he learned how to manage expectations, deal with pressure, and maintain focus despite the constant spotlight. It’s those lessons—many of which he had to learn the hard way—that he’s now passing on to Mateer.
“Don’t get lost in the noise,” Mayfield advised. “There’s going to be a lot of people telling you how great you are. And there’s going to be just as many people telling you that you’re not good enough. At the end of the day, it’s about staying true to yourself and your teammates. Focus on the little things that will make you great and block out the distractions. You have to be able to tune out the hype and stay focused on the grind. The minute you start getting too caught up in what everyone else is saying, it can throw off your entire game.”
Mayfield’s advice couldn’t be more relevant for a player like Mateer, who is already a household name despite being just a sophomore. The college football landscape has become increasingly obsessed with hyperbole, and the pressure to perform can be overwhelming, particularly for a young player who hasn’t yet reached his peak. For Mateer, maintaining the mental clarity to stay grounded while managing such high expectations will be key to his continued development.
Mayfield also discussed the importance of leadership and how essential it is to the success of a quarterback. In 2017, during his Heisman-winning season, Mayfield was the unquestioned leader of the Sooners. He was the voice in the locker room, the face of the program, and the guy that his teammates turned to in clutch situations. For Mateer, who is still growing into that leadership role, Mayfield’s advice is invaluable.
“You don’t have to be the loudest guy in the room, but you do have to be the one who sets the tone,” Mayfield explained. “It’s not just about making throws or running the ball. It’s about how you prepare, how you respond to adversity, and how you pick your guys up when they’re down. As the quarterback, you have to hold yourself to a higher standard, and your teammates will follow. The best teams I’ve been a part of didn’t just have talent—they had guys who were willing to fight for each other.”
Mayfield’s leadership was one of the defining characteristics of his time at Oklahoma, and it’s something that has carried over into his post-college career, including his time in the NFL. As Mateer matures, learning how to balance humility with the confidence required to lead a team will be critical. Being able to galvanize his teammates, especially in high-pressure moments, could be what takes him from an impressive young talent to a championship-winning quarterback.
It’s easy to forget that Baker Mayfield didn’t always have things figured out. Early in his Oklahoma career, he struggled with inconsistency and had moments where his confidence got the better of him. But over time, Mayfield learned how to control his emotions, manage expectations, and use his confidence to propel him rather than hinder him. It was this growth that allowed him to reach the highest level of success.
Mayfield recalls how important it was for him to stay true to his roots, both as a player and as a person. “When I first got to Oklahoma, I wasn’t the player everyone thought I was going to be. I had my ups and downs. But I had to remember why I was there: I loved football, and I wanted to get better every day. That’s the mindset I carried with me all the way through my career.”
For Mateer, it’s crucial to understand that his journey will have its own set of challenges and hurdles. The media attention, the expectations, and the spotlight can all become overwhelming if you let them. The key, as Mayfield emphasizes, is to focus on continuous improvement and not to get lost in the noise surrounding you. Every quarterback, no matter how talented, has room for growth—and that’s what Mateer must remember as he prepares for the biggest season of his career.
“The hype is great, but it’s not what you should be thinking about,” Mayfield said. “What matters is getting better every day, improving your craft, and getting your team to play at a high level. There will always be pressure, but if you focus on what you can control and put in the work, the results will take care of themselves.”
One of the key factors that set Oklahoma apart from other programs is its culture—a culture built on hard work, toughness, and accountability. Under head coach Brent Venables, the Sooners have maintained that identity, and it’s something that will be crucial for Mateer as he steps into a leadership role. Oklahoma football is about much more than just individual talent—it’s about being part of something bigger than yourself.
“I think one of the biggest advantages I had at Oklahoma was the culture,” Mayfield explained. “It was always about the team, the tradition, and the brotherhood. That’s something John has already embraced, and that will help him tremendously. If you buy into that culture and you’re selfless, everything else will fall into place.”
Mateer has already proven that he’s a team player, willing to do whatever it takes to help the Sooners win. Whether it’s through his leadership, his work ethic, or his willingness to take on a larger role in the offense, he’s shown that he understands what it means to be part of the Oklahoma family.
As the 2025 season kicks off, John Mateer will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched quarterbacks in college football. But thanks to the advice and mentorship from Baker Mayfield, he’s poised to handle the pressure with poise and confidence. The combination of Mateer’s natural talent, his mental toughness, and the guidance he’s receiving from former Oklahoma stars will make him one of the most dangerous players in the country.
The Sooners’ 2025 campaign could be a pivotal one—not just for the future of the program but for Mateer’s legacy as well. If he can continue to develop and embrace the lessons passed down to him, there’s little doubt that he will join the ranks of Oklahoma legends like Mayfield, Murray, and Hurts.
For now, the hype is real, and the pressure is on. But with the right mindset, the right mentorship, and the unwavering support of the Oklahoma faithful, John Mateer is primed for greatness.
