Breaking News: Elite QB John Mateer Flips Commitment to Oklahoma Sooner
In a move that has rocked the college football recruiting world, elite quarterback prospect John Mateer has officially decommitted from his previous commitment to the University of Texas and flipped to the Oklahoma Sooners. This shift not only alters the trajectory of both programs but also sets the stage for a potentially seismic shift in the landscape of the Big 12 Conference. The decision has left fans and analysts alike scrambling to understand the motivations behind this high-profile commitment change.
The Rise of John Mateer
Before diving into the reasons for Mateer’s commitment flip, it’s important to contextualize just how much of a game-changer this is for both the Sooners and the Longhorns. At 6’5” and 220 pounds, John Mateer has the physical tools to become one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football. His rocket arm, combined with remarkable mobility for his size, has made him a top priority for programs around the country.
Mateer, who hails from a small town in Texas, burst onto the recruiting scene early in high school. By his junior year, he was already being labeled as a future first-round NFL pick, with many experts calling him the best high school quarterback prospect in his class. His accolades are impressive: three state championships, a slew of individual awards, and a near-perfect 40-yard dash time for a player of his size. These accomplishments made him the centerpiece of one of the most intense recruiting battles in recent memory.
The Commitment to Texas
When Mateer originally committed to the University of Texas, it was seen as a major victory for head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns. Texas, which had been struggling to find stability at the quarterback position in recent years, was in desperate need of a future star. They had already seen some success in landing elite recruits, but securing Mateer, a home-state product, was viewed as a major stepping stone toward reclaiming dominance in the Big 12.
The commitment to Texas was more than just a football decision; it was seen as a family decision. Mateer grew up a Longhorn fan and had always been drawn to Austin, where the program’s history and atmosphere resonated with him. Sarkisian’s offensive philosophy, which emphasizes a pro-style passing game, was seen as the perfect fit for Mateer’s skill set. During his recruitment, Mateer expressed that the ability to develop under a coach with Sarkisian’s pedigree played a significant role in his initial commitment.
However, recruiting is an unpredictable game, and in the high-stakes world of college football, nothing is ever set in stone.
The Flip to Oklahoma
On January 23, 2025, after months of rumors and speculation, John Mateer shocked the recruiting world by officially announcing his commitment to the University of Oklahoma. The news broke via a social media post, where Mateer shared a heartfelt message about his decision to join the Sooners.
“After much thought and consideration, I have decided to decommit from Texas and commit to the University of Oklahoma. I am beyond excited to join the Sooners family and continue my journey as a player and a person. I want to thank all the coaches and fans at Texas for their support, but I believe this is the best decision for me and my future.”
This announcement has left fans of both Texas and Oklahoma buzzing with reactions, ranging from disbelief to excitement. The question on everyone’s mind: What prompted the change?
Reasons Behind the Flip
There are several factors that likely played into Mateer’s decision to flip to Oklahoma, and while Mateer himself has been tight-lipped about the specifics, insiders have suggested some key reasons for the shift.
The Oklahoma Quarterback Legacy
Oklahoma has a long history of producing elite quarterbacks, and this legacy likely played a significant role in Mateer’s decision. With the recent success of Heisman Trophy winners like Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma has established itself as one of the premier programs in developing quarterbacks for the next level. Mateer, who is focused on his NFL future, no doubt took note of this track record and saw it as an opportunity to further his development.
Head coach Brent Venables, who took over in 2022, has placed a strong emphasis on recruiting top-tier talent, especially at the quarterback position. The Sooners’ offense has been a quarterback-friendly system for years, and it’s hard to ignore the program’s success in producing high-caliber signal-callers who go on to thrive at the next level.
Texas’ Quarterback Depth
While the Longhorns have made strides in the quarterback room, with emerging stars like Quinn Ewers, the depth chart could have played a role in Mateer’s decision. Texas is currently stocked with talent at the quarterback position, and with Ewers likely to hold down the job for the foreseeable future, Mateer may have seen a clearer path to playing time at Oklahoma. In Norman, the Sooners are looking for their next star quarterback after the departure of Dillon Gabriel, making the competition potentially less daunting.
Coaching Relationships
Another factor in Mateer’s decision could be the relationship he developed with the Oklahoma coaching staff. Recruiting is often about personal connections, and Mateer reportedly built a strong rapport with Venables and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby. Lebby, who has a history of developing explosive offenses, has a track record of helping quarterbacks reach their full potential. This relationship could have been a key differentiator in Mateer’s decision to flip.
Oklahoma’s Offensive System
One of the biggest draws for elite quarterbacks in recent years has been Oklahoma’s high-powered, fast-paced offense. Known for putting up massive numbers and allowing quarterbacks to showcase their arm strength and athleticism, the Sooners’ offense has been an ideal fit for many of the nation’s best signal-callers. Mateer, whose skill set matches perfectly with a pass-heavy scheme, might have been enticed by the opportunity to run an offense designed to put up big numbers and attract the attention of NFL scouts.
The Big 12 Rivalry
The flip also adds a new layer to the already intense rivalry between Oklahoma and Texas. The two programs have been bitter rivals for years, and their annual matchup in the Red River Showdown is one of the most anticipated games in college football. Mateer’s decision to decommit from Texas and commit to Oklahoma has only intensified that rivalry, adding personal drama to an already heated competition. This move will undoubtedly add fuel to the fire in one of college football’s fiercest rivalries.
Immediate Impact on Recruiting
The impact of Mateer’s flip goes beyond just his commitment. His decision is expected to send shockwaves through the recruiting world, particularly in the state of Texas. Oklahoma’s commitment to landing Mateer will likely lead to a domino effect, with other top recruits reconsidering their own commitments and potentially looking toward the Sooners as their program of choice.
For Texas, this flip represents a major blow to their recruiting efforts, particularly in the state of Texas. While the Longhorns are still a recruiting powerhouse, losing a local, highly-ranked quarterback prospect is a significant setback for Steve Sarkisian and his staff. It will be interesting to see how Texas responds, both in terms of recruitment and quarterback development, moving forward.
What’s Next for Mateer?
With the commitment now in place, all eyes will be on Mateer as he prepares for the next chapter of his football career. He will likely enroll at Oklahoma early to get a head start on his college education and development in the Sooner program. Expect Mateer to be an immediate focal point of the program, and he could very well compete for the starting quarterback job in 2025.
As for Texas, they will need to regroup and continue to build on the foundation that Sarkisian has established, with the goal of finding their next elite quarterback prospect to lead the program into the future.
