Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer will return for his senior year after initially considering a jump to the NFL. The news was announced on Thursday as part of the team's roster announcements alongside linebacker Kip Lewis.
Mateer had a standout season at Oklahoma, throwing for 2,885 yards with a completion rate of 62.2% and 14 touchdowns against 11 interceptions in 12 games. Despite suffering an injury to his throwing hand in September, he was able to make a rapid recovery and played through the injury.
The junior quarterback's decision not to enter the 2026 NFL Draft had been seen as likely, with ESPN's Mel Kiper ranking him fourth on the list of top prospects for that year's draft. Mateer had previously excelled at Washington State, where he helped lead the team to an 8-4 record and set multiple Pac-12 records.
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables praised Mateer as a "warrior" who embodies everything a competitor should be, both on and off the field. The Sooners finished their season with a strong showing in the College Football Playoff before ultimately losing to Alabama.
Mateer's decision will undoubtedly have implications for Oklahoma's chances in 2026, but it also gives him an opportunity to make his case as one of the top quarterback prospects in the country.
Mateer had a standout season at Oklahoma, throwing for 2,885 yards with a completion rate of 62.2% and 14 touchdowns against 11 interceptions in 12 games. Despite suffering an injury to his throwing hand in September, he was able to make a rapid recovery and played through the injury.
The junior quarterback's decision not to enter the 2026 NFL Draft had been seen as likely, with ESPN's Mel Kiper ranking him fourth on the list of top prospects for that year's draft. Mateer had previously excelled at Washington State, where he helped lead the team to an 8-4 record and set multiple Pac-12 records.
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables praised Mateer as a "warrior" who embodies everything a competitor should be, both on and off the field. The Sooners finished their season with a strong showing in the College Football Playoff before ultimately losing to Alabama.
Mateer's decision will undoubtedly have implications for Oklahoma's chances in 2026, but it also gives him an opportunity to make his case as one of the top quarterback prospects in the country.
i'm so happy for john mateer 
he was having a tough season with that injury and i know how frustrating it can be to deal with physical pain on top of all the pressure of being an athlete 
but he's such a warrior 
and his dedication to the team is truly admirable 
his coach brent venables is so right, mateer embodies everything a competitor should be - he's got heart 
and i think that's what's gonna make him a top pick in 2026 
it's amazing how this decision could flip the script for the sooner team next year 
. Now he's got a chance to lead his team to more wins and maybe even make some noise in the playoffs again 
. I mean, it's not like there are other QBs that could potentially take his place in the draft 
. Still, it's good for Oklahoma to have him around, and who knows maybe they'll actually make a deep run next year 
i was a bit worried when he was considering leaving for the nfl, idk what we'd do without that guy leading the team 
. i'm so here for this season and i hope oklahoma can make another deep run in the playoffs! 
I mean, 2,885 yards and 14 touchdowns is no joke, but a 62.2% completion rate? That's pretty average if you ask me 
. The thing is, NFL scouts saw him as a top prospect just last year, so what changed? Did he work harder in the off-season or something? 
I'm still not convinced that returning will make all the difference...
- one bad game and he'd be done for good. By staying at OU, he gets to prove himself as the leader of that team again and show what he's truly capable of 
. So yeah, I think this decision has huge potential for Mateer and OU - it's gonna be an exciting ride 
!