Oklahoma QB John Mateer offers honest look at his NFL thinking so far

This time last year, Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer probably never imagined he'd be in Norman, and he's not trying to figure out yet where he'll be next year either.

As a junior, Mateer has three options on the table for his next move after this season ends: stay at OU for one more year, transfer somewhere else to finish his college career or enter the NFL Draft and start his pro career. As the Sooners prepare to face LSU on Saturday while needing just one more win to make the College Football Playoff, Mateer was asked after practice on Monday if he had thought about the possibility of heading to the NFL early yet.

John Mateer questioned about NFL Draft future

"Not really," Mateer answered. "I mean, we got the most important game of the year coming up because it's the next one. It's not even -- like if I put energy into that (decision), it'll be less energy for this, and these guys deserve everything I have."

Most fans, whether selfishly or not, and experts would agree Mateer isn't ready for the NFL yet. He started the season as an NFL Draft prospect with expectations to rise up draft boards, but that's not how things have gone for Mateer between a thumb surgery and poor production.

In 10 games this season, Mateer has completed 62.3% of his passes for 2,260 yards and 10 touchdowns with seven interceptions. His two TDs against Missouri last week was the first time since Week 1 against Illinois State that Mateer threw multiple touchdown passes in a game. That debut against Illinois State was also the only time this season that Mateer eclipsed 300 passing yards in a game.

Whether or not a thumb injury or level of competition in the SEC is to blame, Mateer's numbers haven't gotten the attention of draft experts. The eye test doesn't favor Mateer either while consistently missing deep balls without enough air under them and not seeing wide open targets.

There's not currently a major mock draft that projects Mateer to be a first-round pick from what's been a disappointing 2026 quarterback class overall. Mateer still has the talent and pedigree to get drafted in April, but most likely not until Day 3 after the third round. And that doesn't seem to be worth leaving college early for.

Mateer hasn't put much thought into his NFL career yet, and that might be because it's not worth thinking about yet.