NORMAN — Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is draft-eligible after this season.
Prior to his hand injury and the Sooners’ offensive struggles, Mateer was viewed as potentially one of the top quarterbacks of the 2026 NFL Draft . But, since returning from mid-season surgery, he’s thrown just four touchdown passes with four interceptions in six games.
“Not really,” Mateer said when asked if he’s given what’s next after this season any thought. “We’ve got the most important game of the year coming up, because it’s the next one. It’s not even — like if I put energy to that, it’ll be less energy for this and these guys deserve everything I have.”
Mateer’s first season at OU hasn’t gone completely as planned with the injury and the offense not fully living up to its billing.
He and his mentor, offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, have experienced a lot of criticism and questions surrounding the offense’s lack of rhythm.
Is it Mateer’s health? Arbuckle’s playcalling? Mateer’s accuracy?
The Washington State transfer took responsibility for the inconsistency of the unit on Monday night.
“It’s a lot of me,” Mateer said. “Just taking short, easy stuff, keep us in efficient situations, downs and distances. And then hitting the shots. Those can be game-changers. We tried it a little more and just didn’t land them, which is fine. We’ll get better.
“Just gotta get more game reps at it.”
Even with the offense’s struggles, the Sooners are likely one win away from the College Football Playoff berth.
Mateer knows what’s on the line Saturday against LSU. Arbuckle’s offense is running out of time to get things together, but OU’s quarterback’s belief hasn’t wavered.
“We’ve grown together,” Mateer said of Arbuckle. “I’ve definitely grown a lot, and he has to, he’s learned a lot. I’m proud of him, how he’s leading, how he’s learning and how he’s helping me too. He hasn’t, obviously, pushed me to the side. He still has my back, and he tells me that, he tells me he’s proud of me, and that’s all I need to keep me going, knowing he has my back.
“It’s a blessing to have an opportunity to do something like this. This is something you’ve dreamed of, something I’ve dreamed of my whole life.”
Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football QB John Mateer ‘not really’ thinking about NFL Draft
