After months of anticipation and hype for the transfer from Washington State, Sooner Nation finally got its first viewing of new Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer. And OU fans loved everything they saw already.
It took less than one half of football in the Sooners' season opener against Illinois State for Mateer to not only prove himself, but for Sooner Nation to fall in love with its new star as OU took a 21-0 lead to the locker room. .
After two drives with nothing going, Mateer finally broke through in the Sooners' third try. He ended the third possession with OU's first points of the 2025 season with a seven-yard run where he just flat out outran the defense to the pylon.
Pylon. Paydirt. π°@John_Mateer4 pic.twitter.com/UB5SLO73if
β Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) August 30, 2025
The next drive ended with Mateer's first touchdown pass as a Sooner to wide receiver Deion Burks for 27 yards.
Slingin' in the rain π§οΈ@John_Mateer4 Β» @deionkburks pic.twitter.com/cSRE4n7Ikh
β Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) August 30, 2025
Mateer finished the first half of his OU debut completing 83% of his passes for 227 yards and a TD. He also rushed for 14 yards and the score on four carries. Once Mateer found his rhythm, the Sooners reached the end zone in their last three possessions of the half.
After little to no passing attack at times last season, it was a pleasant sight for Sooner Nation, especially that deep connection with Burks. The Sooners threw for more than 200 yards only three times all of last season, and Mateer surpassed that mark already in just his first half.
It was even more rewarding after witnessing how disappointing Arch Manning was for Texas after he stole the spotlight from Mateer all offseason.
Oklahoma fans already love John Mateer
Sooners got a dude at QB.
β Gabe Ikard (@GabeIkard) August 30, 2025
The Oklahoma Sooners I grew up loving now have a QUARTERBACK with moxie and gumption and guts and flair and wheels and a whip of an arm. John Mateer will be a problem for every SEC opponent. I can't wait for Oct. 11.
β Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) August 30, 2025
John Mateer as advertised.
β Dekota Gregory (@dekotagregory) August 30, 2025
Safe to say John Mateer is good.
β Boomer Beamer (@ImDerBatman) August 30, 2025
Moneyline Mateer π€ Jackpot Johnnie
β Tyler Neal (@T_Neal) August 30, 2025
Whatever you call him in your neck of the woodsβ¦
Heβs a baller β‘οΈ
Look, all I'm saying is I've never seen John Mateer and Baker Mayfield in the same room at the same time.
β Seth Oliveras ξ¨ (@SethOliveras) August 30, 2025
No one's cutting onions, but I'm Mateering up.
β Blinkin (@blinkinriley) August 30, 2025
John Mateer: pic.twitter.com/biYHBKlhfg
β Stan Him Boomer Sooner (Hunter Harjo) (@hunterharjo7) August 30, 2025
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