John Mateer is already showing off a glimpse of what’s to come for the Sooners at the QB position

In the world of college football, the quarterback position has always been the focal point of a team’s success. It’s the engine that drives the offense, the leader on the field, and the player who often dictates the outcome of big games. For the Oklahoma Sooners, a program that has a storied history of producing elite quarterbacks, the expectation for top-tier play at the position is always high. From Heisman winners like Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray to future NFL stars like Jalen Hurts, the Sooners have been blessed with remarkable quarterbacks over the years.

As the 2026 season draws nearer, Oklahoma fans are eagerly looking forward to the next generation of talent at the quarterback position. Among the most promising of these future stars is John Mateer, a highly touted recruit who has already begun to show glimpses of what makes him such a special talent. While Mateer is still a work in progress, his early performances have been impressive enough to leave Sooners fans excited about the future.

This article will take a deep dive into John Mateer’s journey so far, his development as a quarterback, and what makes him a key figure in the Oklahoma Sooners’ future.

A Promising Start: Mateer’s High School Career

John Mateer is no stranger to the spotlight. Even before making his mark at Oklahoma, he was widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2026 recruiting class. Coming out of high school, Mateer had already established himself as a dual-threat quarterback with the ability to both pass and run with exceptional skill. His performances at the prep level have been nothing short of spectacular, and he quickly caught the attention of college recruiters from all over the country.

Playing for his high school team, Mateer demonstrated a rare combination of arm strength, accuracy, and athleticism. He has an elite ability to make throws on the run, whether it’s hitting a deep ball down the field or finding an open receiver on an intermediate route. In addition to his strong arm, Mateer possesses excellent mobility, allowing him to escape pressure in the pocket and make plays with his legs when necessary. His natural ability to read defenses and make quick decisions under pressure further bolstered his reputation as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation.

But it wasn’t just his physical tools that set him apart—it was also his mental approach to the game. Even at a young age, Mateer displayed poise and maturity in his play. He showed a clear understanding of offensive schemes, exhibited confidence in his decision-making, and was able to keep calm during high-pressure situations. These intangible qualities made him a highly coveted prospect for Oklahoma and many other top-tier programs.

Throughout his high school career, Mateer set several records and earned numerous accolades, cementing his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2026 class. His leadership and consistent play made him the centerpiece of his team’s offense, and his performances in big games only solidified his place among the nation’s best.

Why Oklahoma?

Oklahoma, known for its high-powered offenses and strong tradition of developing quarterbacks, has long been a premier destination for top quarterback recruits. Under head coach Brent Venables, the program has continued to build upon its rich football legacy, making the Sooners a highly desirable program for elite players like Mateer.

When Mateer made his decision to commit to Oklahoma, it came as no surprise. The program’s ability to develop quarterbacks, along with its high-profile offensive system, were major factors in his choice. Oklahoma has a track record of turning elite quarterbacks into household names, and the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of legends like Mayfield, Murray, and Hurts was too good to pass up for the talented young quarterback.

One of the biggest draws for Mateer was the chance to work with Oklahoma’s coaching staff, particularly the offensive minds that would help refine his already impressive skill set. With Venables at the helm and a proven offensive coordinator to guide him, Mateer knew that Oklahoma would provide the ideal environment to grow and develop into a star.

The Early Glimpse: What We’ve Seen from Mateer So Far

Since joining the Sooners, John Mateer has already begun to turn heads with his performances in practice, scrimmages, and early-season games. While he is still adjusting to the speed and complexity of college football, his raw talent and potential are evident to anyone who watches him play.

Mateer’s arm strength has been one of the standout aspects of his game. In practice and scrimmages, he’s shown an ability to make all the throws, whether it’s a deep bomb down the sideline or a perfectly placed ball over the middle. His accuracy, particularly on intermediate routes, is already at an advanced level for someone his age. He’s also demonstrated a natural ability to throw with touch on shorter passes, making him a well-rounded passer who can do it all.

One of the most impressive aspects of Mateer’s game is his ability to extend plays with his legs. While he has the arm strength to beat defenses through the air, he also has the mobility to make plays on the ground. Whether it’s scrambling to avoid pressure in the pocket or taking off on a designed run, Mateer has the vision and speed to turn a broken play into a big gain. His dual-threat ability is something that Oklahoma fans are particularly excited about, as it adds an extra dimension to the Sooners’ offense and gives defensive coordinators nightmares when game planning against him.

Beyond his physical attributes, Mateer has shown an ability to handle adversity and stay composed under pressure. During scrimmages, he has faced situations where his team was down late in the game or facing difficult third downs, and time and time again, he’s risen to the occasion. His poise in clutch moments has been a testament to his leadership qualities and his ability to handle the mental aspects of the game. While it’s still early in his career, it’s clear that Mateer has the potential to become a leader for the Sooners, both on and off the field.

The Offensive System at Oklahoma: A Perfect Fit for Mateer

Oklahoma’s offensive system has long been known for its ability to put up huge numbers. With a blend of high-tempo play, dynamic pass-catching options, and a focus on stretching the field, the Sooners’ offense has been a favorite for quarterbacks looking to showcase their skills.

For Mateer, this system is a perfect fit. His ability to throw deep and make plays on the run is ideally suited to the fast-paced, high-flying offense that Oklahoma is known for. Under offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, the Sooners have a system that emphasizes a balanced attack with a heavy dose of passing, but one that also utilizes the quarterback’s legs as an added weapon. This system plays to Mateer’s strengths, as he excels in both passing and running the football.

In particular, the RPO (run-pass option) plays a major role in Oklahoma’s offense, and this is an area where Mateer has excelled. He has shown a natural feel for reading the defense and making quick decisions based on the leverage of the defenders. Whether it’s handing the ball off to a running back, pulling it to keep, or throwing a quick pass to a receiver in space, Mateer has demonstrated that he has the vision and decision-making skills to thrive in the RPO-heavy system.

Additionally, the Sooners have a strong group of wide receivers and playmakers who can help Mateer succeed in the passing game. Players like Marvin Mims and Theo Wease, along with emerging young talent, provide Mateer with numerous weapons to work with. As he continues to grow and develop, the chemistry between him and his receiving corps will only improve, making the offense even more dangerous.

Expectations Moving Forward: The Future of Mateer and Oklahoma Football

As John Mateer continues to adjust to the college game, the expectations for his future at Oklahoma are high. The Sooners have always been a program that demands excellence at the quarterback position, and the fanbase is eagerly anticipating the next great signal-caller to lead them to success. Mateer’s early performances have been encouraging, but the road ahead is still long, and there will be plenty of hurdles to overcome.

For Mateer, the next step will be to build upon his early success and continue to refine his skills. While he has shown flashes of greatness, it’s important for him to maintain consistency and continue to improve his decision-making, especially when facing elite competition in the Big 12. He will need to further develop his understanding of the game, working on his reads, his timing with his receivers, and his ability to handle different defensive schemes.

One of the biggest challenges for any young quarterback is dealing with the pressure that comes with being the face of a program, and for Mateer, the weight of Oklahoma’s football legacy will only add to the expectations. However, with his natural talent, his poise, and his ability to lead, Mateer has the potential to handle that pressure and become the next great quarterback in Oklahoma’s storied history.