According to Athlon Sports, where does John Mateer of Oklahoma stand among the quarterbacks in the SEC?

As of February 2025, John Mateer, the transfer quarterback from Washington State, has made significant waves in the college football landscape. His move to the University of Oklahoma has garnered considerable attention, especially due to the Sooners’ impending move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in the near future. The SEC is widely regarded as one of the toughest football conferences in the country, and every new player entering the conference is scrutinized for their potential impact. Among the quarterbacks in the SEC, many are wondering: where does John Mateer stand, especially according to the insights from Athlon Sports, a key source for college football rankings and analysis?

In this comprehensive analysis, we will explore the trajectory of John Mateer’s career, how his performance at Oklahoma could influence the SEC, and where Athlon Sports places him among the quarterbacks in the conference. Additionally, we will look at the context of his arrival at Oklahoma, compare his skills with other SEC quarterbacks, and assess how his playing style fits into the competitive landscape of the SEC.

The Background of John Mateer

Before diving into his position among SEC quarterbacks, it’s essential to understand Mateer’s journey. Originally hailing from Washington State, Mateer had a standout career with the Cougars. In 2024, he put up impressive numbers, throwing for over 3,900 yards and accounting for 44 total touchdowns. His performance in the 2024 season made him a highly attractive option in the transfer portal, where he quickly became one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the nation.

Mateer’s success at Washington State, a school known for its high-flying, pass-heavy offense, demonstrated his ability to thrive in a system that valued air raid principles. His arm strength, poise under pressure, and playmaking ability allowed him to flourish in the Pac-12. However, the opportunity to play under the tutelage of offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, who previously coached him at Washington State, was too good to pass up. This connection led to his transfer to Oklahoma, where he will compete for the starting job and help lead the Sooners into their new SEC era.

At Oklahoma, Mateer joins a program with a rich history of quarterback success, including recent standouts like Kyler Murray, Jalen Hurts, and Baker Mayfield. However, the move to the SEC will present a new set of challenges for Mateer. The SEC is known for its fierce defenses, larger-than-life crowds, and highly competitive nature. His ability to adjust to this environment will be critical in determining how quickly he can establish himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC.

Athlon Sports’ Evaluation of John Mateer

Athlon Sports is a trusted name in college football analysis, providing expert rankings, insights, and predictions on everything from team performances to individual player evaluations. Their “Way-Too-Early 2025 Quarterback Rankings” give us an early glimpse into where Mateer stands among the other quarterbacks in the SEC and what we can expect from him in the upcoming seasons.

While it is important to note that Mateer’s move to Oklahoma means he has yet to play a snap in the SEC, Athlon Sports has already placed him in a highly favorable position among quarterbacks. According to their rankings, Mateer is seen as a high-upside quarterback with tremendous potential due to his skill set, experience, and familiarity with his offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle. However, despite his accolades and promising future, he has yet to face the rigorous competition of the SEC defenses.

The SEC Quarterback Landscape

The SEC is home to some of the most talented quarterbacks in college football, and the competition is fierce. To properly understand where Mateer stands, we must first look at the quarterbacks he will be competing with. In 2025, the SEC boasts a diverse group of signal-callers, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and playing styles.

Some of the most notable quarterbacks in the SEC for 2025 include:

• Carson Beck (Georgia): As Georgia’s starting quarterback, Beck is coming off an impressive 2024 campaign where he helped lead the Bulldogs to a national championship appearance. His poise, accuracy, and leadership make him one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC, and he is expected to continue as Georgia’s leader in 2025.
• Jalen Milroe (Alabama): Milroe has the physical tools that make him a dangerous quarterback. His mobility and strong arm make him a dual-threat, capable of breaking big plays both with his legs and his arm. After taking over as the starter in 2024, Milroe showed flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency. If he can put it all together in 2025, he could be one of the SEC’s best.
• Will Rogers (Mississippi State): Rogers is one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the SEC and has been a staple of Mississippi State’s offense for several years. He is known for his accuracy and decision-making, but his lack of mobility and tendency to operate within a more traditional system may limit his upside compared to some of the more dynamic quarterbacks in the conference.
• Brady Cook (Missouri): Cook is another quarterback in the SEC who has shown considerable growth over the past season. As Missouri’s leader, Cook is an efficient passer who is able to make plays under pressure. He’ll be looking to build on his success in 2024 and challenge for recognition among the SEC’s top quarterbacks.
• Spencer Rattler (South Carolina): After transferring from Oklahoma, Rattler had a rough start in Columbia but showed promise as the season progressed. With a full year as the starter, Rattler is poised to improve his decision-making and consistency, making him a quarterback to watch in 2025.

When comparing John Mateer to these quarterbacks, it’s clear that he enters the SEC with a great deal of potential but also a steep learning curve. While he has the experience of leading an offense at Washington State, he will need to prove himself in a much tougher and more competitive conference. His ability to adjust to SEC defenses will be crucial, as the conference is known for its elite pass rushers and physicality in the secondary.

What Sets John Mateer Apart?

One of the key attributes that sets John Mateer apart from other quarterbacks in the SEC is his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions. His experience in the pass-heavy system at Washington State allowed him to develop exceptional anticipation, allowing him to get the ball out quickly and accurately. This skill will be especially valuable in the SEC, where defenders are faster, and the window for making decisions is much smaller.

Another aspect of Mateer’s game that could set him apart is his rapport with offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle. The two have worked together in the past, and Arbuckle’s offensive system is known for its creativity and adaptability. If they can continue their successful partnership at Oklahoma, Mateer could quickly become one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC.