John Mateer has earned all the respect from Baker Mayfield as Oklahoma's QB

Baker Mayfield has known current Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer for over a year now since helping recruit him out of the transfer portal, and after a lasting first impression, the respect between the two OU quarterbacks has only grown, even from a distance.

Both players endured injuries last year that hindered them most of the season, but as Mayfield has already proven himself, Mateer's broken thumb on his throwing hand that required surgery after Week 4 has created a long list of doubters heading into Year 2 leading the Sooners' offense because of his production drop-off the rest of 2025. But from a guy who has experienced the same tribulations and even worn the same crimson and cream uniform, Mayfield actually has even more belief in Mateer after what he saw from afar last season.

Even Baker Mayfield was surprised by John Mateer's toughness during thumb injury

"From the first time I talked to John, you could tell he's kind of built different, and that's an important piece to have when you try to play quarterback here at this university," Mayfield told media while in Norman for his annual youth camp. "I thought he was insane when he came back to play against Texas, but that shows, obviously he probably could have waited a little bit longer, but you can't change it, you can't go back and say this would have been better.

"He's as tough as they come and I think he wanted to be out there for his guys and in that game. It's important to him. To me, that carries you a long ways and I think it's going to take them -- stuff like that is gonna take them further this year."

Mateer, unknowing even to his teammates, broke his thumb against Auburn, then still proceeded to lead a game-winning drive for his first SEC win over former OU quarterback Jackson Arnold. News then broke during the Sooners' bye week that Mateer needed surgery and would be sidelined about a month. Instead, he missed just one game and was back for the Red River Rivalry against Texas.

Mayfield is also famous for toughing out injuries. Last season, he appeared on the injury report 10 of 18 weeks with multiple issues after continually putting his body on the line, but he still never missed a game. OU outfielder Trey Gambill would probably say that Mayfield likes the taste of blood.

There was a dip in production for Mayfield compared to his previous two seasons in Tampa Bay and his durability has been a topic as he's in the midst of contract negotiations with the Bucs. Mateer also went from a Heisman Trophy contender to some fans wanting him benched because of the way he played after his injury. Mateer, though, never even admitted the thumb injury hindered him until this offseason.

Read more: John Mateer shared an offseason change Oklahoma fans will be thrilled to hear

"That's not easy," Mayfield said. "I mean, you've seen guys that can play with pinkies or some of the other fingers, but having a thumb injury, that's difficult. You talk about just getting the ball, feeling the snap first and foremost when I'm trying to grip the ball and throw it correctly. It's hard. But it speaks to his toughness and his will."

If Mateer is able to earn the respect of Baker Mayfield, then he should from all of Sooner Nation.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow