Brent Venables needs to seriously consider these 3 John Mateer replacements at Oklahoma

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer has the option on the table to head to the NFL instead of returning for his last year of eligibility, but even if he does want one more season of college football, many OU fans are still wanting the Sooners to have a new QB1 in 2026.

Whether it's because Mateer went to the next level or the Sooners just want a hopeful upgrade, just like last year to get Mateer, Brent Venables, now with the help of general manager Jim Nagy, again need to look in the Transfer Portal that already has QB talent lined up for when it officially opens on Jan. 2.

In most cases, Mateer returning is the best option for the Sooners' next season, but OU needs to at least seriously consider some of the QB talent looming in the portal to elevate the Sooners' offense and get past the first round no matter what their situation is at the position.

Josh Hoover, TCU

No matter where he ends up, Josh Hoover will start next season with more career passing yards and touchdowns than any other quarterback in college football after being TCU's QB1 most of the last three seasons. He threw for 3,472 yards and 29 TDs compared to 13 interceptions this season while surpassing 3,000 passing yards in every full season as a starter so far.

With one year of eligibility left, On3 has Hoover as the No. 5 QB expected to transfer and he would be a great mentor to pave the way for incoming freshman Bowe Bentley.

Sam Leavitt, Arizona State

This time last year, Sam Leavitt was a redshirt freshman leading Arizona State in the College Football Playoff after winning a Big 12 title. Now looking elsewhere, On3 ranks Leavitt, with two years of eligibility left, as the top quarterback expected to transfer, which Mateer also was at this point last year.

An injury limited Leavitt to seven games this season, but he averaged 232.6 passing yards a game with 10 TDs compared to three INTs, plus 306 rushing yards and five scores. He was Big 12 Freshman of the Year in 2024.

Leavitt has the toughness to quickly win over fans and teammates that could also be utilized in Ben Arbuckle's offense. He also rarely turns the ball over.

Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati

Arbuckle loves to use his QB in the running game, and Brendan Sorsby was one of the best dual-threat weapons in college football this season for Cincinnati. He totaled 3,380 yards this season with 27 scores through the air and nine more on the ground. He's also another QB who's careful with the football with just five interceptions this season and 18 in his career in 967 attempts.

According to 247Sports, Sorsby is the No. 1 QB expected to transfer.