It felt like Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer was more likely to be the biggest loser than a winner from the Sooners' offensive coordinator change, considering his job was on the line, and the guy who brought him to OU is no longer around. Instead, no one benefited more than Mateer from Jason Witten's new offense on Saturday night.
OU head coach Brent Venables finally fired offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle this week ahead of the Sooners' trip to play No. 24 Florida. That move still left the question of whether it was really Arbuckle's system these past (almost) two seasons, or whether it was actually Mateer's turnovers and inconsistency sabotaging the offense.
Until Saturday, we had never seen one without the other after Mateer followed Arbuckle to OU from Washington State ahead of the 2025 season. Mateer was also Arbuckle's QB in 2024 at Wazzu. The two are so close that, according to the SEC Network broadcast, Mateer was watching film with Arbuckle when Arbuckle got the news of his firing.
The Sooners' 23-7 upset of Florida on Saturday in Gainesville was the first time in 33 career starts that Mateer ran someone other than Arbuckle's offense, as Witten made his college play-calling debut after being promoted from tight ends coach to interim offensive coordinator. Witten immediately proved he's what's best for the Sooners, and also for Mateer.
Jason Witten makes most of John Mateer's rushing ability
Even with a new voice in his ear, Mateer looked more comfortable than he's ever been. He was responsible for 263 of OU's 351 total yards. Mateer by himself actually outgained the Gators' entire offense, which posted only 203 total yards.
Witten apparently had the key to unlocking Mateer's greatest strength: his running ability. Arbuckle certainly tried, but it felt forced most of the time. Witten was able to utilize Mateer's rushing organically in the game plan and made the most of it.
Mateer led the Sooners with 14 carries for 56 yards. He nearly scored his first rushing touchdown of the season before a penalty wiped it off the board. Mateer also frequently led the team in rushing attempts under Arbuckle, but in those instances, it felt like a glaring stat rather than one to boast.
It sounds like a weird statement, but those who have watched the Sooners' train wreck this season understand. Mateer has always been the locomotive, but it's as if Witten actually put the train on the track.
Mateer was also better with his arm, completing 64% of his passes for 207 yards and two TDs. Most importantly, he didn't throw an interception. The Sooners were rarely miles behind the chains and desperate for a hero play, so Mateer was never forced into a mistake.
MATEER LASERS IT INTO THE SMALLEST OF WINDOWS 🎯@OU_Football x 📺 @SECNetwork pic.twitter.com/91RM0a9qhl
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) November 8, 2026
He also spread the ball around, as eight different players caught a pass on Saturday night. Usually, if Isaiah Sategna III is covered, then Mateer has no other option. Sategna still led the team with eight targets and caught four passes for 34 yards with a TD, but tight end Rocky Beers led the way with 72 receiving yards on four catches.
Sategna didn't even lead the receivers, as Jacob Jordan suddenly came alive with four catches for 36 yards. Parker Livingstone also had his best game as a Sooner, catching three passes for 26 yards. Mateer looking at more options not only makes life easier for him, but also more difficult for opposing defenses.
Arbuckle being fired and Witten taking over OU's offense was supposed to end Mateer's college career, but it might have actually saved it.
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