With one of the most notable logos in college football now pinned to his suit jacket, new Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer took the stage at SEC Media Days with rows of reporters and cameras out in front of him. Other than Texas' Arch Manning, coming from the most famous family in football, no one else had a bigger crowd around him during the week.
For the first time ever in his career, people are finally paying attention to John Mateer.
“I’d say only because I’ve never had it before. Like I’ve never been the big name in the media,” Mateer answered when asked if the hype surrounding him has been a surprise. “Now, I try to get off of it and try not to look at. I don’t think it’s good for me.”
Mateer handling spotlight for first time in career
Coming out of Little Elm High School in Texas, Mateer was a two-star recruit, according to Rivals, in the 2022 class with one FBS offer from Washington State.
Three years later, Mateer transferred to OU from Washington State this offseason as the top player available in the Transfer Portal at the time to reunite with his offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle. Last season as a sophomore and first-year starter, Mateer led the FBS with 44 total touchdowns with his ability as a passer and runner. He threw for 29 TDs and ran for another 15.
He was a blast to watch. He’ll duck his shoulder and run over a defender if needed. He’ll scramble in circles until a receiver is open. He’s been compared to polarizing players like Baker Mayfield and Johnny Manziel and Patrick Mahomes.
But while Mateer was showing off last season, no one watched or talked. Now, everyone is as Mateer has Heisman Trophy odds and the expectations to turn the Sooners around in 2025. It’s not just because of the interlocking O and U he’ll wear on his helmet, though.
Nearly half of Washington State’s games last season didn’t even kick off until most of the country was already in bed. Even if they played during daylight hours, the Cougars were broadcasted on The CW or Peacock most of the time. Washington State only made headlines as one of the programs left to die in the two-team Pac-12.
Playing for a Blue Blood program like OU with four Heisman QBs in the last 20 years certainly helps the hype of Mateer. It draws the attention he earned last year, but never got then.
But you’re not just paying attention to John Mateer because of who he plays for or what people are saying. You’re just finally getting the chance to.
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