John Mateer talks about learning from failures in first season at Oklahoma
By David Wasson
Published:
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer experienced what many if not most would call a successful first season at the helm in Norman – but he still wants much more heading into the 2026 season.
Top of mind for Mateer during Day 1 of SEC Media Days on Monday in Tampa were two instances: A disastrous throw against Alabama that led to a Crimson Tide Pick-6 in the first round of the College Football playoff and his quick comeback from injury to play Texas in the Red River Rivalry
“It is very uncomfortable to watch, it really is,” Mateer said when asked about watching the costly Alabama interception while on the set of SEC Now. “I learned a lot. It’s just not an easy game. … You learn that every play is different, and you go through your reads, and there are keys in every game.”
Mateer also pointed out that he wasn’t 100 percent when the Sooners took on the Longhorns on Oct. 11 – less than three weeks after surgery on his right (throwing) hand. Mateer finished with just 202 passing yards and threw three interceptions against Texas.
Even with the two high-profile losses, Oklahoma went 10-3 overall and advanced to its first College Football Playoff.
“Even though I failed, I’ll be better for it,” Mateer said. “It was a very difficult thing to do. … It sucked, it really did.”
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
