When John Mateer announced his transfer to Oklahoma, many questioned whether he could handle the transition to the SEC. But for Brent Venables, Mateer isn’t just another QB—he’s the last line of defense against mounting criticism and the weight of a $44.8M buyout. As the Sooners fight for respect and recognition in the SEC, their new signal caller is stepping into the fire with a chance to rewrite the narrative.

Jay Smith is optimistic about John Mateer’s 2025 season, as he discussed on the Feb 19th Locked on Sooners episode, ‘Can John Mateer be a Top 5 Quarterback in the SEC Next Year?’ “On a serious note, John Mateer counted for 3,900 yards last season,” Smith began. “Granted the competition, whatever you want to say. I mean he did play Washington, he played against Oregon, he played against Boise State, he played against some good teams too. He put up numbers. He showed it he could put up numbers. And if you don’t think that that’s going to translate to the next level, then you obviously didn’t watch Cam Ward play.” Cam Ward was an underrated QB at Incarnate Word who transferred to Washington State and then Miami for his final collegiate season, where he’s leaving as a top QB entering the 2025 NFL Draft. 

Meaning? It’s about talent, and John Mateer has proven that with his 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns. Analysts like AYS Sports Blake Ruffino made it clear—it’s all or nothing for Brent Venables in 2025. After a disappointing 6-7 season, OU has suffered a mass exodus of talent, with 29 players entering the transfer portal. However, the HC responded by bringing in 15 new faces, including Mateer and his former Washington State OC, Ben Arbuckle. 

This setup could be a game-changer. Arbuckle already understands Mateer’s strengths—his mobility, arm talent, and ability to extend plays. That familiarity could fast-track the Sooners’ offensive transition. It could give them an edge in what is expected to be another brutal SEC fallout. Another disappointing season could push Venables’ $44.8M safety blanket (buyout amount) to rip at the seams. But this number will drop if he stays longer. Now Mateer’s success could be key to keeping Venables off the hot seat. If not, OU will have to weigh the cost of loyalty versus the cost of failure in the Sooners’ uphill SEC battle.

Oklahoma’s uphill battle—SEC bias?

Oklahoma’s first SEC season in 2024 showcased a stark scheduling disparity compared to Texas. This past season, the Sooners faced SEC teams with a combined 62.5% win rate, while Texas opponents hovered around 37.5%. The brutal slate saw Oklahoma finish 2-6 in conference play, exposing the difference between the two programs’ transitions. 

Looking ahead, there’s no respite for Oklahoma even in 2025. The Sooners open with Illinois State before braving a tough stretch against teams like Texas, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Alabama. Meanwhile, Texas faces only two major threats from Ohio State and Georgia before cruising off to an easier SEC lineup.

With an uphill schedule and a conference that’s already stacking the deck against them, Oklahoma enters 2025 under immense pressure. If John Mateer proves the doubters wrong, the Sooners might just turn the tide and carve a name for themselves in CFB’s toughest league.