When John Mateer announced his transfer to Oklahoma, many questioned whether he could handle the transition to the SEC. However, for head coach Brent Venables, Mateer represents more than just another quarterback—he is a critical piece in the fight against mounting criticism and the pressure of a $44.8 million buyout. As the Sooners attempt to establish themselves in their new conference, their new signal caller steps into a high-pressure situation with the opportunity to change the program’s trajectory.
Optimism Surrounding John Mateer’s 2025 Season
Football analyst Jay Smith expressed optimism about Mateer’s upcoming season during a February 19th episode of Locked on Sooners titled, Can John Mateer Be a Top 5 Quarterback in the SEC Next Year? Smith pointed out that Mateer amassed 3,900 yards last season, emphasizing that he played against quality opponents such as Washington, Oregon, and Boise State. He argued that if people don’t believe those numbers will translate to the next level, they likely didn’t watch Cam Ward’s rise. Ward, an underrated quarterback from Incarnate Word, successfully transferred to Washington State and later Miami, where he developed into a top prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.
The takeaway? Talent matters, and Mateer has demonstrated his ability with 3,139 passing yards and 29 touchdowns. Analyst Blake Ruffino of AYS Sports has made it clear that 2025 is a make-or-break season for Brent Venables. Following a disappointing 6-7 record in 2024, Oklahoma experienced a significant roster shake-up, with 29 players entering the transfer portal. In response, Venables added 15 new recruits, including Mateer and former Washington State offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.
The Importance of Arbuckle’s System
This move could prove crucial, as Arbuckle is already familiar with Mateer’s strengths—his mobility, arm talent, and play-extending ability. That established relationship might accelerate Oklahoma’s offensive transition and provide them with an advantage in what is expected to be another challenging SEC season. However, if Oklahoma struggles again, Venables’ massive buyout could become a key topic of discussion. While the figure will decrease the longer he remains with the program, another subpar season could force the university to weigh the cost of keeping him against the price of failure in the SEC.
Oklahoma’s Tough SEC Road Ahead
Oklahoma’s first SEC season in 2024 highlighted a significant scheduling imbalance compared to Texas. The Sooners faced opponents with a combined 62.5% win rate, while Texas’ schedule had teams averaging only a 37.5% win rate. The difficult slate led to Oklahoma finishing 2-6 in conference play, exposing the stark contrast between how the two programs adjusted to the SEC.
Looking forward to 2025, Oklahoma faces another grueling schedule. The Sooners open against Illinois State before taking on Texas, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Alabama. In contrast, Texas’ schedule includes only two major challenges—Ohio State and Georgia—before easing into an overall more manageable SEC lineup.
A Defining Season for Oklahoma and Mateer
With a tough schedule ahead and an SEC landscape that appears stacked against them, Oklahoma enters 2025 under significant pressure. If Mateer can rise to the occasion and silence the doubters, the Sooners may be able to shift the narrative and establish themselves as serious contenders in college football’s most competitive conference.