Shocking News:Oklahoma Sooners Fend Off Coaching Legend to Land Transfer QB John Mateer
Norman, OK – The Oklahoma Sooners have secured a major addition to their quarterback room, as they successfully fended off interest from a coaching legend to land transfer quarterback John
Mateer. The highly coveted signal-caller, who previously played for the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), announced his commitment to Oklahoma on Tuesday, signaling a significant boost to the Sooners’ offense.
Mateer, a dual-threat quarterback known for his strong arm and playmaking ability, enters Norman after two successful seasons at UTEP, where he set multiple school records and led the Miners to a
bowl game appearance in 2023. With an impressive 3,500 passing yards and 30 touchdowns over the last two seasons, Mateer caught the eye of several power programs across the country. However, it was the Sooners who emerged as the top destination.
The competition for Mateer’s services intensified in recent weeks, as legendary coach Mike Leach, now at Mississippi State, made a strong pitch for the veteran quarterback to join his Air Raid offense. Leach, renowned for his ability to develop quarterbacks, was reportedly eager to
add Mateer to his roster. Despite the allure of playing for the Hall of Fame coach, Mateer ultimately chose Oklahoma, citing the opportunity to play for head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby.
“We are excited to add a quarterback of John’s caliber to our team,” said Venables. “He brings leadership, experience, and a dynamic skill set that
will make an immediate impact on our offense. We believe he has the potential to thrive in our system, and we’re looking forward to seeing him compete for the starting job this spring.”
The addition of Mateer provides a strong boost to Oklahoma’s quarterback competition heading into the 2024 season. With veteran Dillon Gabriel returning for his senior year, the Sooners now have a deep and talented quarterback room that should give them flexibility heading into the new year.
In his statement, Mateer expressed excitement about joining the Sooners and the opportunity to compete at the highest level in the Big 12 Conference.
“I’m excited to be a part of this storied program and to work with Coach Venables and Coach Lebby,” said Mateer. “Oklahoma has a rich history, and I’m looking forward to making my mark here and helping this team compete for championships.”
The Sooners’ ability to secure Mateer despite intense competition underscores the growing momentum of Brent Venables’ rebuilding efforts in Norman. With a strong recruiting class, added depth at multiple positions, and now a dynamic quarterback to potentially lead the offense, Oklahoma is poised to remain a national contender for years to come.