Kirk Herbstreit weighs in on John Mateer’s 2026 plans
By Andrew Olson
Published:
With Oklahoma‘s 2025 season complete, one of the big questions is what’s next for quarterback John Mateer.
Mateer has now been in college for 4 seasons, making him eligible for the NFL Draft. Mateer is also familiar with the transfer portal, having spent his first 3 seasons at Washington State before following offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle to Oklahoma.
During the latest Nonstop podcast, Kirk Herbstreit opined that Mateer should return for another season in Norman.
“Why would he leave a place that’s become home?” Herbstreit asked of Mateer. “I guess if someone paid him. My guess is he’s going back to OU.”
After the CFP First Round loss to Alabama, Mateer was asked about his future, which he said he hadn’t given much thought.
Q. Are your plans to be back next season, a lot of talk about the draft or whatever. What are your plans for next season?
JOHN MATEER: I haven’t really thought about it yet. I’m pretty sure I’ll take some time and weigh all the options and we’ll see.
Mateer’s 2024 season at Oklahoma was impacted by a hand injury. He started 12 games for the Sooners, posting career-highs in attempts (397) and completions (247). He completed 62.2% of his passes for 2,885 yards and 14 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. Mateer also rushed 149 times for 431 yards and 8 scores.
Though 4 seasons removed from high school, Mateer has remaining eligibility after redshirting for 2022, in which he only made 1 appearance for Washington State.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
