Even Oklahoma fans kind of thought all the talk about quarterback John Mateer heading to the NFL early was a little ridiculous after what they saw last season, and apparently even Mateer agreed he wasn't ready yet.
Mateer decided to return to the Sooners for his final year of eligibility in what will be his second season in Oklahoma after transferring from Washington State last year. It was a rather drawn out decision as Mateer was considered a 2026 NFL Draft prospect, but as the Sooners started spring camp on Wednesday, Mateer admitted to media that it wasn't actually difficult at all for him to come to the conclusion to return to OU.
John Mateer shared details about his return to Oklahoma
"No," Mateer responded immediately when asked if it was a tough decision. "I mean, it was pretty obvious. I need to be better, need to come back and develop another year. And this place is awesome, so."
“It was obvious.”#Sooners John Mateer on his decision to come back to Oklahoma for 2026. pic.twitter.com/SqF5mlLw0Z
— Davis Cordova (@byDavisCordova) March 26, 2026
While battling a thumb injury on his throwing hand that required surgery at the beginning of SEC play, Mateer completed 62.2% of his passes for 2,885 and 14 touchdowns compared to 11 interceptions in 12 games last season. He also rushed for 431 yards and eight scores.
Injuries definitely hampered Mateer's first season with the Sooners, but it was his decision-making that caused the most mistakes and drove fans mad the most. That's evident by the 11 interceptions, and that doesn't even count the drops by defensive backs or the throws so errant that no one had a chance at catching them.
Mateer also revealed on Wednesday that he worked over the offseason on his throwing motion to throw less side arm, which will not only help him in the eyes of NFL scouts, but should also benefit the Sooners, who surrounded Mateer with even more offensive weapons for 2026. He also finally admitted how much that thumb injury hindered him throughout the season, so Mateer should be a lot better just based on health alone.
All of that will raise Mateer's NFL Draft stock over the next year, but most importantly right now, it will make him a better quarterback for the Sooners.
There's respect for Mateer knowing and admitting he needed to develop more, especially since some draft experts predicted he could have been selected come April. That should instill more faith into any doubting fans about Mateer.