The dreams of another Oklahoma quarterback hoisting the Heisman Trophy seem to be fading.
Once a favorite to win the award at one point early this season, OU quarterback John Mateer’s Heisman odds have recently plummeted after an injury and a poor performance in a loss to Texas on Saturday.
John Mateer's injury hurting Heisman chances
As of Tuesday, according to BetMGM, Mateer’s Heisman odds were even worse than during the preseason at +4000 now. That’s still better than some oddsmakers, though, with DraftKings putting Mateer’s odds at +7500, and FanDuel has them all the way at +10000, seemingly out of the race.
Mateer entered the season with opening odds of +2500, according to BetMGM, to win the Heisman in his first year with the Sooners after transferring from Washington State. After an impressive start, Mateer rose as the co-favorite along with Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with +700 odds at the start of Week 5.
However, Mateer injured his throwing hand in the first quarter against Auburn and needed surgery during the Sooners’ bye week. Since it was unknown how long Mateer would be sidelined, his Heisman odds immediately dropped to +2200.
Mateer only missed the Sooners’ game against Kent State before returning last week to play Texas in the Red River Rivalry. It wasn’t the heroic return as expected, though, as Mateer had his worst performance of the season and threw three interceptions with no touchdowns. That outing crashed Mateer’s odds to their current low.
Those who put money on Mateer shouldn’t tear up that ticket just yet, though. Not only is the Heisman race still wide open, but the Sooners’ loaded schedule will present Mateer with plenty of opportunities for Heisman moments and Heisman voters could respect Mateer for playing just 17 days after surgery despite the rough performance.