Jalen Hurts knows what John Mateer is going through as he heads into his first season at Oklahoma and the reigning Super Bowl MVP says he should embrace it.
“It’s a special place to play, a special support system and support group, and so I’m always supporting," Hurts said." And I’ve actually had a conversation with him in his transition, and so I’m always supporting from afar, always watching both schools, and happy I get to pick my poison when I want to.”
Jalen Hurts has been in communication with Oklahoma QB John Mateer, who transferred to the Sooners as he did: “It’s a special place to play, a special support system and support group. … I’m always supporting from afar, always watching both schools (OU and Bama).” https://t.co/xhDQqJHAsE
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 26, 2025
There are few players in the country that may hold more value to their team than Oklahoma quarterback Mateer. The Washington State transfer has been given the keys to an offense that struggled last season and some might argue that he will be the deciding factor in Brent Venables coaching future in Norman.
And while Mateer is walking into a different situation at Oklahoma than Hurts, there are similarities that he can draw from. Hurts came to Norman following Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray, both Heisman winners who went first overall in the NFL Draft and led their respective Sooner teams to the College Football Playoff.
Mateer enters at a time of transition for the program. The Sooners struggled in their transition from the Big XII to the SEC. They were a .500 team that went 2-6 in the conference. There are legitimate questions about how well Oklahoma can hold up in this league or are the Sooners destined to become a middle-of-the-pack program.
At Washington State, Mateer accounted for nearly 4,000 total yards of offense. His arrival in Norman represents a major upgrade at the quarterback position. Something that Oklahoma didn't have last year to support a solid defense.
Folks are gonna learn about John Mateer this season 🏃🏽♂️💨 pic.twitter.com/FF1mTPnRRB
— CFBTalkDaily (@CFBTalkDaily) July 4, 2025
There is a lot that Mateer is taking on his shoulders. But Hurts is a believer and so is former Sooners coach Bob Stoops, That's a pretty solid fan club to have.
"I'm excited about him," Stoops said during a recent radio appearance. "The great experience he has and experience he has with (offensive coordinator Ben) Arbuckle. All of it matters. Having a guy like that on the field and in the building, everybody rallies around, that's a big deal."