Press Release: Oklahoma’s John Mateer Poised for Breakout Season Amid Heisman Comparisons
NORMAN, OK – After an impressive season with the Miami Hurricanes, quarterback Cam Ward has set the bar high for his successors. Following his transition from Washington State, Ward not only became a Heisman Trophy finalist but also made history as the top overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft for the Tennessee Titans. Now, the spotlight is shifting to Oklahoma’s new quarterback, John Mateer, as he steps into the role previously held by Jackson Arnold.
On ESPN’s Paul Finebaum Show, On3’s J.D. PicKell highlighted the growing confidence around Mateer, drawing parallels to Ward’s remarkable ascent. “People in Norman are buzzing about him, much like they did about Ward last year,” said PicKell. “They’re exuding confidence, eager to see how he translates his talent onto the field.”
Mateer arrives in Oklahoma following a stellar season where he racked up 3,965 total yards and 44 touchdowns, quickly becoming a coveted player in the transfer portal. This year, he faces the tall order of revitalizing a Sooners offense that struggled last season, finishing 97th nationally with an average of 24.8 points per game.
Having previously backed up Ward at Washington State, Mateer’s experience puts him in a unique position. However, ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky warns that the road is challenging. "The 2026 quarterback class is loaded," he noted, citing key players including Arch Manning and Cade Klubnik alongside Mateer.
As the soon-to-be star preps for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on how he can replicate Ward’s success and potentially secure a spot in the NFL Draft landscape. Oklahoma fans are hopeful that Mateer will not only uphold the legacy but also forge his path to greatness.
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