There's a banner hanging in the Oklahoma Sooners' Everest Indoor Training Center for their College Football Playoff appearance last season, but instead of celebrating what they accomplished, it's basically mocking quarterback John Mateer for what he didn't do.
"It’s cute," Mateer recently told On3. "You know, it’s up there. But everybody’s like, 'No, that’s not the goal.' So, there’s a couple things like that, which from an outside piece, it’s like, 'Oh, that’s great. You made the playoff.' But it’s like, no, it’s not."
That's a quote that should get OU fans fired up and ready to sprint toward the Sooners' season opener against UTEP on Friday, Sept. 4.
NEW: John Mateer to @whalexander_ on the CFP appearance banner inside Oklahoma's indoor practice facility:
— On3 (@On3) June 30, 2026
"It’s cute. You know, it’s up there. But everybody’s like, 'No, that’s not the goal.' So, there’s a couple things like that, which from an outside piece, it’s like, 'Oh,… https://t.co/oPYjJ00TgB pic.twitter.com/Ogtu39pZsy
Sooners should have high hopes with John Mateer leading the way
Despite winning nine of the 11 regular-season games he started and leading the Sooners to the CFP, most fans agree that Mateer didn't live up to the hype in 2025 after transferring to Oklahoma as the top quarterback in the transfer portal out of Washington State. The defense really carried the Sooners, and if there was a better offense, that banner could be boasting a much greater accomplishment.
Mateer followed his offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, from Pullman to Norman last offseason with the expectations that the duo could immediately turn around the Sooners' offensive woes under head coach Brent Venables. They were already steep expectations to reach, but then Mateer broke the thumb on his throwing hand while SEC defenses seemed to get the best of Arbuckle's play-calling as a young OC.
Mateer completed 62.2% of his passes for 2,885 yards and 14 touchdowns with 11 interceptions while missing just one game after surgery last season. He also rushed for 431 yards and eight more scores. His decision-making was also an issue, but it was obvious the injury hindered Mateer, who never admitted it until this spring.
Fans wanted more from Mateer as a prized transfer, but it's clear he also expected more. He said all the right things throughout the season while not making any excuses. During this offseason, he's not only continued to say words that should affirm fans, but has also put in the work between changing his throwing motion and packing on muscle. OU has also surrounded him with even more talent.
Read more: John Mateer went back to work and Oklahoma fans should already love the results
What’s going unnoticed about Mateer, though, is that he has the exact mentality fans should want the leader of their favorite team to have. The mentality that makes a rebound season feel inevitable. He’s unveiled that every time he’s talked to media this offseason.Â
Mateer has been honest. He has admitted on multiple occasions that last season flat out was not good enough with no excuses why. And most importantly, he's clearly not satisfied, and that's what drives athletes in all sports to new heights.
Many fans will rightfully be hesitant to buy the Mateer hype until they actually see it against an SEC defense. Talk can be cheap after all, but Mateer's words aren't coming at a bargain. This isn't just coach's speak. Mateer is foreshadowing something special for anyone who will listen.
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