Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer isn’t backing down from the pressure that comes with leading a high-profile program. Known for his dual-threat skill set and steady progression, Mateer enters the starting role with confidence built on preparation.
The Sooners’ coaching staff echoes that mindset, urging players to focus on growth and the team’s internal process rather than past results or outside noise. For Mateer, that perspective keeps him grounded and ready to lead.
Confident and Ready: John Mateer Sets the Bar for Oklahoma’s 2025 Season
John Mateer is stepping into the spotlight as Oklahoma’s new starting quarterback with a clear mindset and a focused approach. Speaking Friday at the Manning Passing Academy in Thibodaux, Louisiana, Mateer told On3’s George Stoia that he’s eliminated distractions to prepare fully for the upcoming season.
“I deleted Twitter – or I, like, removed it,” Mateer said. “I check it like once every four days. I was really, really bad with that stuff and looking at what people said about me.”
He added that even positive feedback can flip quickly. “The good is cool, but the good is good until I suck and then the good is horrible and those same people, they hate me,” Mateer said. “Not actually, but on the field.”
To help stay focused, Mateer added screen time restrictions to his social media apps, noting,
“I was like being a zombie here and there, looking at my phone.” He said the screen time feature was introduced just as buzz about him started circulating online. “I didn’t look at it. People sent it to me, and I tried to not look at it because it don’t matter.”
As for expectations, Mateer isn’t flinching.
“I embrace them because I set them. Not because anyone else sets them,” he said.
Oklahoma QB John Mateer added a screen time limit to his social media ahead of the 2025 season🔒📵
“The good is cool, but the good is good until I suck and then the good is horrible and those same people, they hate me. Not actually, but on the field.”https://t.co/hA6OP8aDet pic.twitter.com/IRJTlWofoM
— On3 (@On3sports) June 27, 2025
Mateer transferred to Oklahoma after a standout 2024 season at Washington State. He threw for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while completing 64.6 percent of his passes. He added 826 rushing yards and 15 scores on the ground on 178 carries.
Mateer is already turning heads at the elite quarterback camp, where only top college signal-callers are invited. Reflecting on his time at the academy, he said,
“Growing up, I thought they were Superman. All these dudes. They’re so freaking good. Now, I throw with them and I’m right there.”
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With Oklahoma looking to bounce back from a 6-7 finish in 2024, including a 2-6 record in its first SEC season, Mateer’s presence could be pivotal. Last year’s quarterback instability contributed to the team’s struggles, with Jackson Arnold and Michael Hawkins Jr. splitting starts before Arnold transferred to Auburn.