A viral social media post briefly stirred up Oklahoma’s fan base this week, claiming quarterback John Mateer planned to opt out of the College Football Playoff to prepare for the NFL draft.
The report was shared by an account called 274Sport and quoted Mateer as calling the decision “the right move for my future.” Thankfully, for the Sooners faithful,a the post was fake.
Mateer is draft-eligible after this season, but he is not opting out and is not focused on the NFL draft, according to The Oklahoman’s Colton Sulley. Oklahoma officials have not indicated any change in Mateer’s availability as the Sooners prepare for their playoff run.
The misinformation surfaced after a bad second half of Mateer’s first season in the SEC. Before a mid-season hand injury and Oklahoma’s offensive struggles, Mateer was viewed by some evaluators as a potential top quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL draft.
Breaking: Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer has announced he will not play in the College Football Playoff, choosing instead to sit out and begin full preparation for the NFL Draft.
— 274 Sport (@274sport) December 10, 2025
Mateer called the decision “the right move for my future” and will immediately start training for… pic.twitter.com/WcpxzS4TI8
Since returning from surgery, his production has dipped, with four touchdown passes and four interceptions over his final six games.
Mateer’s transition to the SEC has mirrored that of offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, who is also in his first season at the Power Five level. Both arrived from Washington State, and the adjustment under coach Brent Venables has not been seamless.
The season began promisingly. Mateer led Oklahoma to a 4-0 start, including wins over Auburn and Michigan, while throwing for 1,215 yards with 11 total touchdowns. He injured his right hand against Auburn on Sept. 20 and missed one game before returning in a 23-6 loss to Texas.
Since then, consistency has been elusive. Over Oklahoma’s final seven regular season games, Mateer completed 58.6 percent of his passes for 1,363 yards, six touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Like Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, Mateer once carried Heisman Trophy buzz. Both now enter the College Football Playoff looking to reset narratives rather than end their seasons early.
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