Oklahoma Sooners Face a Daunting 2025 Season Amid High Expectations for John Mateer
Brent Venables may believe that the Oklahoma Sooners have moved beyond their struggles, but reality suggests otherwise. The 2025 season is set to be an intense test of resilience for the team, as they face a schedule that will demand relentless effort. However, despite the looming challenges, there is a silver lining—quarterback John Mateer. His presence provides hope, as he suggests that Oklahoma has assembled a strong roster capable of competing at a high level.
A Brutal Schedule Awaits
The road ahead for Mateer and his teammates is anything but smooth. The Sooners’ schedule features nine teams currently ranked in the top 25 odds to win the national championship. Their opponents include powerhouses like Michigan, Auburn, Texas, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri, and LSU. Among all SEC teams, Oklahoma faces the most difficult path, making their journey even more grueling.
Mateer, a redshirt junior quarterback, had an impressive season in 2024, finishing as the fifth-ranked quarterback in total offensive production. However, experts predict that the upcoming season will be a daunting challenge. Analyst J.D. PicKell pointed out that six of Oklahoma’s nine Power Four opponents will be breaking in a new quarterback, which could work in the Sooners’ favor. Despite these uncertainties, Mateer remains focused on the task ahead, unwilling to dwell on speculation.
Building Chemistry in the Off-Season
The Sooners have been making the most of their off-season training sessions, particularly on March 23, when they worked under the guidance of NFL wide receiver and tight end specialist Delfonte Diamond. Mateer used this time to develop a connection with his wide receivers, including redshirt senior Deion Burks and redshirt junior Javonnie Gibson.
During a podcast interview, Mateer was asked about his impressions of the new receivers, including Isaiah Sategna and Javonnie Gibson. He responded enthusiastically, highlighting their strong work ethic and commitment to building chemistry. Mateer emphasized that quarterback-receiver relationships take time to develop and cannot be perfected overnight. He also shared that he and Sategna have been staying after practice to work on their timing and understanding of each other’s playing style.
Sategna, a redshirt sophomore, had his best season in 2024 with Arkansas, recording 37 receptions for 491 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Gibson enters Oklahoma’s squad with impressive ratings—a 79.9 offensive player grade and an 83.7 receiving grade. With such promising additions, Mateer has the tools to improve his game, but the pressure remains immense.
The Weight of Expectations
The Sooners’ quarterback position has historically been a demanding one, and Mateer is no exception. His predecessor, Jackson Arnold, threw for 1,421 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2024 but also endured 34 sacks—one of the highest totals in the FBS. This highlights the need for Mateer to be well-prepared and aware of the challenges he might face.
Analysts are already raising concerns about Oklahoma’s ability to navigate their difficult schedule. RJ Young, speaking on The Number One College Football Show, compared Mateer to former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield, a Heisman Trophy winner. Young acknowledged that Mateer is a better runner than Mayfield was, but questioned whether he can match Mayfield’s passing ability.
Mayfield’s college career at Oklahoma saw him throw for 14,607 yards, 131 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions, with a completion rate of 68.5%. In contrast, Mateer demonstrated his mobility at UTSA in 2023, rushing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns while averaging more than 4.5 yards per carry. While Mateer’s athleticism is evident, his ability to reach the level of Oklahoma’s past elite quarterbacks remains to be seen.
Can Mateer Lead the Sooners Through Their Toughest Test?
With one of the most challenging schedules in the country, Oklahoma’s 2025 season will be a true test of their grit and determination. Mateer will need strong support from his receivers, including Sategna and Gibson, to rise to the occasion. As the season approaches, the question remains: can Mateer guide the Sooners through adversity, or will their brutal schedule prove too much to overcome?