We all know that at Washington State, John Mateer and OC Ben Arbuckle built a brand—fast, fearless, and fireworks on the scoreboard. Well, their offensive magic wasn’t just flashy—it delivered results. Don’t forget that in 2024, Wazzu ranked 17th in total offense (442.8 YPG) and 6th in PPG (36.6). However, Mateer, the redshirt junior QB, lit it up—finishing 13th in the nation in passing TDs and 7th in yards per attempt (9.0). As of now, the dynamic duo heads to Oklahoma. And the challenge? Revive an offense that ranked a dismal 203rd in total YPG last season (331.0). Although it won’t be easy, their chemistry might be the spark that reignites the Sooners’ firepower.

However, the Sooners’ fanbase is holding its breath—hoping John Mateer is next in Oklahoma’s legacy of elite QBs. Well, after a rough 6–7 campaign in 2024, they are desperate to reset the standard under center. Look, last year’s struggles, especially from Jackson Arnold, played a major role in derailing the offense—and the season. But now, it’s Mateer’s moment. And the hype is real. Here, On3 Sports analysts Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman see big things coming. On their podcast, both slotted Mateer in their Top 10 QBs for 2025—Staples at No. 6, Wasserman even bolder at No. 4. Honestly, Wasserman didn’t hold back—he’s all in on the new Sooner signal-caller.

But not only Wasserman, Oklahoma OC Ben Arbuckle couldn’t help but praise John Mateer’s leadership and knowledge of the system during an April 13 press conference. Yes, when asked how Mateer has helped teach the offense, Arbuckle made it clear the junior QB’s experience is invaluable. “You know, John being in the system for two years was, you know, a good, good deal for him because a lot of it isn’t just having to teach him anymore. But the thing, like I said before spring ball, all the quarterbacks knew what was going on, right? …They’re all smart, highly intelligent kids who understand what it’s like to lead,” said the Sonners’ OC.

In other words, Mateer isn’t just running the offense—he’s helping guide it. His time in the system, combined with high football IQ, is setting the tone in Norman. However, Ben Arbuckle didn’t just shine a spotlight on John Mateer—he gave props to the whole quarterback room. According to the Oklahoma OC, the chemistry between Mateer, Michael Hawkins Jr., Cole Gonzales, and Jett Niu has been a game-changer this spring.

“And not just John, but all of them — Mike, Cole, and Jett — they were able to get everybody on the same page at a really high level and really quick. And so, um, just those four guys all being bought in and the type of kids they are made life a lot easier,” said Arbuckle. To be honest, in short, it’s not just talent—it’s teamwork. And in Norman, that could be the recipe to flip the script in 2025, per their OC.

And why not believe the hype? “This guy is unbelievable… There is a legitimate chance that this is the guy holding up the Heisman at the end of the year. And I don’t say that lightly. There is a legitimate chance that Oklahoma is a playoff team because of this guy next year,” said Wasserman, pointing to Mateer as the spark that could reignite the Sooners. While Andy Staples wasn’t as fired up, both analysts agree on one thing—Oklahoma is trending up. As of now, with Mateer under center, Sooner fans have real reason to believe that 2025 could be something special.

But while the hype around Mateer is heating up, the QB is forced to face the tough reality of SEC football.

John Mateer’s bold admission

With Jackson Arnold transferring to Auburn through the portal, Oklahoma made a big move by landing top overall player John Mateer. The former Cougars’ QB reunited with Ben Arbuckle, who had helped him lead the FBS in total TDs the previous season. But the move to the SEC wouldn’t come without its challenges. Right now, the competition would be tougher, and the stakes would be higher. However, Mateer’s leadership and talent had already shone at Washington State, and his familiarity with Arbuckle’s Air Raid system gave him a strong foundation. But the SEC’s intensity would test his skills in ways he hadn’t faced before.

Here, Mateer is stepping into a legacy. As the new starting QB for Oklahoma, he’s filling some big shoes—shoes worn by Heisman runners-up like Josh Heupel and Jalen Hurts and Heisman winners like Sam Bradford, Jason White, Kyler Murray, and Baker Mayfield. That’s a lot of history to live up to, and that’s just since 1999. But in his 2025 Crimson Combine interview with OU Insider, Mateer admitted the tough reality of the SEC. Honestly, the road ahead may be challenging, but the stakes have never been higher for the Sooner’s newest QB.

Well, when asked about adjusting to the SEC’s speed and defense, John Mateer gave a candid response. “I mean it was really me, myself, wanting to know the difference in speed,” said Mateer. Adding, “You know, I’m obviously coming from a lower level. It’s not a bad level by any means, but it’s lower. It’s not the SEC. I mean, this is one of the best, most confusing defenses in the country.” But Mateer isn’t backing down. “So being able to do it and do it at a high level has been fun. And like, I wasn’t sitting there like, ‘Oh, you know, I really need to try to fit this in the window.’ But I wasn’t holding back, and it worked out just fine. So I plan on not really holding it back,” said Mateer.

As of now, with that mindset, Mateer is ready to embrace the challenge of the SEC head-on.