When Washington State quarterback John Mateer entered the transfer portal on Monday, he instantly became the most sought-after player in the country.
After sitting behind Cam Ward in 2023, Mateer took the reins for the Wazzu offense in 2024 and turned into a star almost overnight, throwing for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns while completing 65% of his passes and adding 827 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns on the ground.
He ended the regular season ranked fifth in total offense (330.4 ypg) and leads the country with 44 total touchdowns on the year.
On Wednesday, Mateer announced where he would spend the next two years of his collegiate career, and as expected, the pick was Oklahoma.
Getting an experienced and proven quarterback was priority 1A for the Sooners, and with Mateer now secured, OU can shift its focus to surrounding him with protection and dynamic playmakers.
Oklahoma’s offense was abysmal in Brent Venables’ third season, failing to score more than two offensive touchdowns against any Power Four opponent this season.
While major struggles along the offensive line and injuries to their top five wideouts compounded the issue, OU’s passing offense was among the worst in the nation because of poor quarterback play.
Whether it was Jackson Arnold or true freshman Michael Hawkins, the Sooners were never able to stretch the field vertically, making them a one-dimensional unit that fared little chance of success against competent defenses.
Luckily for the Sooners, their defense was among the best in college football, ranking seventh nationally in defensive EPA, allowing them to limp to a bowl appearance.
With several difference-makers expected back on that side of the ball, and now a proven playmaker at quarterback, Oklahoma will hope to put its first season in the SEC behind them and look ahead to 2025.
