Greg McElroy says John Mateer makes Oklahoma national championship contender
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Greg McElroy was a national championship quarterback at Alabama, bringing home the first of 6 titles in Tuscaloosa during the Nick Saban era in 2009.
All these years later, McElroy, who is a college football analyst, believes he’s spotted another SEC quarterback who’s immediately made Oklahoma a national title contender. That would be Washington State transfer John Mateer, who arrived in Norman this season with big expectations and so far has followed through on them. On Saturday night, Mateer led the Sooners to a statement victory over Michigan in front of a national TV audience on ABC.
Mateer threw for 270 yards with a touchdown and an interception in Oklahoma’s 24-13 victory that got the Sooners to 2-0. OU moved up 5 spots in the new AP Poll on Sunday, rising to No. 13. Mateer isn’t responsible for all of the goodwill in Norman so far in 2025, but he’s had a strong hand in the early success, throwing for a combined 662 yards in the first 2 games.
Against Michigan, Mateer used his legs to shred the Wolverines defense, too, running for 74 yards on 19 carries with 2 rushing TDs. McElroy has taken notice and on Sunday during his Always College Football podcast, he let loose on why Mateer’s presence could boost Oklahoma into the national title picture.
“John Mateer, man, we’ve been trying to tell you, this kid’s unbelievable. He’s just so much fun to watch. He was composed. He was super effective, making tons of plays, not just through the air but also with his legs. Finished with 270 (yards passing) and a touchdown, (a) couple of rushing touchdowns,” said McElroy.
McElroy has no doubt that Mateer makes OU a College Football Playoff contender and even a national title contender.
“I truly believe that,” said McElroy. “I mean, he has just a unique ability to extend plays and to keep drives alive. And it allows Oklahoma to dictate the pace of the game, dictate the tempo of the game. That’s significant.”
Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.
