Plenty of national college football experts have predicted the Oklahoma Sooners to turn things around in 2025, but none have said OU will win a title. Until now.
As a guest on the "that SEC podcast," USA Today college football writer Matt Hayes boldly stated that he thinks the Sooners will win the SEC thanks to new quarterback John Mateer.
"I will tell you this, and I know many people here (at SEC Media Days) told me that I'm crazy, but I think Oklahoma's gonna win the SEC. I do," Hayes said. "I think Mateer is going to play really well and that defense will be as good as any defense in the league. They're going to shock some people this year."
Oklahoma picked to win the SEC by @MattHayesCFB
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) July 23, 2025
"I think (John) Mateer is going to play really well & that defense will be as good as any defense in the league."
"They are going to shock some people this year." 👀
Full chat: https://t.co/6wMHuOMK9p pic.twitter.com/kZrLT3aKxm
USA Today writer says John Mateer will lead Sooners to title
That's a bold prediction that had others on the show with Hayes in disbelief considering last week, media that covers the SEC picked the Sooners to finish in the bottom half of the conference this season at No. 10.
Expectations are low for the Sooners after going 6-7 in their first year in the SEC as head coach Brent Venables enters his fourth season on the hot seat. Venables has won over a few believers outside of Sooner Nation, though, because of his offseason moves, including getting Mateer out of the Transfer Portal.
Mateer was the No. 1 player available in the portal when he committed to OU after transferring from Washington State. In his first season as a sophomore starter last year, Mateer led the FBS with 44 total touchdowns thanks to his ability to throw and run. He threw for 3,139 yards and 29 TDs while rushing for another 826 yards and 15 scores.
Ultimately, Mateer followed his offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, to Norman, which is why many believe Mateer won't experience a dip in production since he'll still be in the same system but surrounded by more talent.
"I think Mateer is a lot better than people think he is," Hayes said. "He's a very good player, No. 1. And No. 2, I think he's gonna have that type of impact of it's not just on the field, it's also in the locker room. And I think you're gonna see that.
"I may be way out there and you guys in three months may say, 'Remember when you said Oklahoma's gonna win the SEC and they finished 6-6?' Yeah, I think they're gonna win it."
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