Oklahoma’s new backfield duo is already up for a national award

The Oklahoma Sooners' new backfield duo of quarterback John Mateer and Jaydn Ott on Monday were on the preseason watch list for the Maxwell Award, which is given annually to the college player of the year by the Maxwell Football Club. The winner of the Maxwell Award (usually) also means a Heisman Trophy.

John Mateer, Jaydn Ott on Maxwell Award watch list

Mateer and Ott just joined the Sooners as transfers this offseason to help turn OU's offense around under new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle. Mateer actually followed Arbuckle from Washington State, where the two led a top-20 offense last season.

Last year in his first season as a sophomore starter, Mateer led the FBS with 44 total touchdowns. He thew for 3,139 and 29 TDs compared to seven interceptions, plus he had 826 rushing yards and 15 scores. That prior success while still being in Arbuckle's system surrounded by more talent at OU has created a lot of hype around Mateer, including Heisman Trophy odds.

Ott got to Norman in the spring after transferring from California for his final year of eligibility. An ankle injury hindered Ott last season, but when healthy in 2023, he led the Pac-12 with 1,305 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.

OU head coach Brent Venables raved about Ott at SEC Media Days, referring to the running back as a "home-run hitter."

Considering this is just the first and one of the top preseason watch lists to be included on, Mateer and Ott's name will continue to pop up as more are released during the preseason, especially awards that are position-specific.

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