Oklahoma has new star quarterback in No. 1 transfer John Mateer

The Oklahoma Sooners have their next quarterback.

Collin Kennedy of 247Sports and CBS Sports on Wednesday reported that Washington State quarterback John Mateer has committed to Oklahoma out of the transfer portal. Mateer is following his offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, who was hired as OU's offensive coordinator on Dec. 2.

OU's NIL collective, 1Oklahoma, then announced Mateer's commitment.

Mateer, a sophomore, was the No. 1 prospect in the transfer portal, according to 247Sports, On3 and ESPN. He didn't enter the portal until Monday, though, a week after it officially opened. Mateer was even practicing with Washington State during that time as the Cougars prepared for their upcoming bowl game on Dec. 27.

In his only season so far as the starting quarterback in Arbuckle's offense, Mateer completed 64.9% of his passes for 3,139 yards and 29 TDs compared to seven INTs. His 29 passing TDs ranked ninth in FBS this season while his passing yards total was No. 16th.

Mateer is also just as dangerous with his legs, rushing for 826 yards and 15 scores. His 44 total TDs was the most by any player in the country this season.

Arbuckle discovered Mateer as a three-star recuit out of Little Elm High School in Texas. Washington State was Mateer's only FBS offer out of high school, then, only two years later, he was the top recruit in the transfer portal.

When Mateer first entered the portal, CougFan of the 247Sports network reported that "an unnamed SEC school" offered Mateer "an NIL package of about $3 million." Cougars coach Jake Dickert confirmed to media later that same day that Washington State, part of the dying PAC-12, offered Mateer an NIL package that was worth at least $1 million.

"But at the end of the day, he wanted to play on a bigger stage, and I think that was the main cause of most of this," Dickert said, also confirming Mateer's departure.

Despite Mateer's decision, Dickert still spoke highly of his now former star.

“John will be the most sought-after player in the portal," Dickert said. "I think he’s gonna be the best player in the country next year."

The move also puts Mateer much closer to home, with Little Elm being only about 2 1/2 hours from Norman.

Obviously with his credentials and previous success in Arbuckle's offense, Mateer is expected to immediately become OU's starting quarterback, at least for 2025. Freshman Michael Hawkins Jr., who started three games this season and will start the Armed Forces Bowl on Dec. 27, is also still on the roster and has publicly stated he plans to stay.

"I love it. I love competition," Hawkins told media before Mateer's commitment. "I feel like that's how it should be. I don't think it should be no other way, so I'm all about competition. I think we need another guy here. So I'm ready."

Mateer is OU's fourth addition from the portal so far, following Kennesaw State punter Jacob Ulrich,Stanford offensive tackle Luke Baklenko and UAPB wide receiver Javonnie Gibson.