J.D. PicKell isn't giving up on the Sooners' QB in 2026

J.D. PicKell isn't giving up on the Sooners' QB in 2026

Oklahoma Sooners redshirt-senior starting quarterback John Mateer made the decision to return for a second season at OU this winter, a season which will mark his final year of collegiate eligibility. Mateer helped the Sooners make it to the College Football Playoff last year, but the national opinion of him isn't as high as it was when he got to Oklahoma, due to his play after his thumb injury last year.

However, one national analyst does not share that opinion. On3 Sports' J.D. PicKell, the host of "The Hard Count with J.D. PicKell", compiled a list of college football figures that he refuses to give up on yet. Atop that list was none other than Mateer, with PicKell staunchly defending the OU quarterback.

"He does have to take his game to the next level, but I don't understand why we're so hung up on what John Mateer was when he wasn't his full version of himself," PicKell said. "Also, put it to you this way, this isn't our first introduction to John Mateer. The dude led FBS in total touchdowns, prior to getting to Oklahoma, at Washington State. Now, I know that Washington State and Oklahoma are two different levels of difficulty ... But understand, the dude can still play ball at a really high level. You still have to factor that in when you assess who John Mateer is."

Mateer talked openly during spring practice about how he has been working to take his game to the next level. He's been working to improve his footwork and throwing mechanics, along with getting his eyes in the right place and taking what the defense gives him. Oklahoma hopes that Mateer's work will yield very positive results in 2026.

As PicKell also pointed out, there won't be a period of acclimation for Mateer and offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle when it comes to getting used to playing and coaching in the SEC. That, along with the thumb injury, was another major factor in the post-September decline for the OU offense in 2025, and that duo being back together at Oklahoma this year is a big plus for getting the offense back on track.

Combine those things with the fact that Oklahoma put a focus on adding offensive talent around Mateer this offseason, and the fact that the Sooners are making improvement at running the ball a major emphasis, and you have a recipe that could bring a healthy Mateer, and in the bigger picture the entire OU offense, more success on the field in 2026.

Sep 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) reacts against the Temple Owls in the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) points toward the Oklahoma section after a fourth quarter touchdown during a college football game between Tennessee and Oklahoma in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville on Nov. 1, 2025.

Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) scores a touchdown in the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family OK Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Sep 20, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) celebrates with teammates after the game against the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Sep 20, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the first half against the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Sep 6, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) celebrates with head coach Brent Venables after the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Michigan Wolverines at Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.

Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) scores a touchdown in the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family OK Mem. Stadiu. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws a pass during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. Ole Miss won 34-26.

Sep 6, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is interviewed after the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Sep 20, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) dives past Auburn Tigers safety Kaleb Harris (8) to score a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) warms up before the game against the Illinois State Redbirds at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Marvin Jones Jr. (97) and Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Derek Simmons (66) after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the LSU Tigers at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. Oklahoma won 17-13.

Oklahoma's John Mateer (10) greets fans as the arrive before the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooner and the University of Michigan Wolverines at the Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.

Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) reacts after the game against the Illinois State Redbirds at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) celebrates with fans after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Michigan Wolverines at Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-13.

Nov 1, 2025; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) scrambles with the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images

Nov 29, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the first half against the Louisiana State Tigers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Sep 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) warms up with teammates before the game against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws a pass during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Michigan Wolverines at Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.

Oct 4, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) laughs before the game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) walks with his team before the game against the Illinois State Redbirds at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) celebrates after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Michigan Wolverines at Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-13.

Oct 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the first quarter against the Texas Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Nov 29, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the game against the Louisiana State Tigers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) scores a touchdown past Illinois State Redbirds defensive back La'Shavion Brown (4) during the first half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) looks to make a pass in the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family OK Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Nov 22, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) warms up before the game against the Missouri Tigers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Nov 22, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the first quarter against the Missouri Tigers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Nov 15, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) looks on prior to a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family OK Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Sep 6, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) scores a touchdown past Michigan Wolverines defensive back Jyaire Hill (20) and Michigan Wolverines defensive back TJ Metcalf (7) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Nov 22, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) runs with the ball as Missouri Tigers safety Santana Banner (15) defends during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Sep 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) reacts against the Temple Owls in the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Sep 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) reacts against the Temple Owls in the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) points toward the Oklahoma section after a fourth quarter touchdown during a college football game between Tennessee and Oklahoma in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville on Nov. 1, 2025.

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) scores a touchdown in the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family OK Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Sep 20, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) celebrates with teammates after the game against the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Sep 20, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the first half against the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Sep 6, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) celebrates with head coach Brent Venables after the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Michigan Wolverines at Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) scores a touchdown in the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family OK Mem. Stadiu. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws a pass during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. Ole Miss won 34-26.

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Sep 6, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is interviewed after the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Sep 20, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) dives past Auburn Tigers safety Kaleb Harris (8) to score a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) warms up before the game against the Illinois State Redbirds at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Marvin Jones Jr. (97) and Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Derek Simmons (66) after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the LSU Tigers at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. Oklahoma won 17-13.

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Oklahoma's John Mateer (10) greets fans as the arrive before the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooner and the University of Michigan Wolverines at the Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.

15 / 35

Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) reacts after the game against the Illinois State Redbirds at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) celebrates with fans after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Michigan Wolverines at Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-13.

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Nov 1, 2025; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) scrambles with the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Nov 29, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the first half against the Louisiana State Tigers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Sep 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) warms up with teammates before the game against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws a pass during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Michigan Wolverines at Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Oct 4, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) laughs before the game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) walks with his team before the game against the Illinois State Redbirds at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) celebrates after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Michigan Wolverines at Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-13.

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Oct 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the first quarter against the Texas Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Nov 29, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the game against the Louisiana State Tigers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) scores a touchdown past Illinois State Redbirds defensive back La'Shavion Brown (4) during the first half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) looks to make a pass in the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family OK Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Nov 22, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) warms up before the game against the Missouri Tigers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Nov 22, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the first quarter against the Missouri Tigers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Nov 15, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

33 / 35

Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) looks on prior to a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family OK Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

34 / 35

Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Sep 6, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) scores a touchdown past Michigan Wolverines defensive back Jyaire Hill (20) and Michigan Wolverines defensive back TJ Metcalf (7) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Photos of Oklahoma QB John Mateer in year one with the Sooners

Nov 22, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) runs with the ball as Missouri Tigers safety Santana Banner (15) defends during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: J.D. PicKell bullish on the potential of Oklahoma Sooners QB in 2026