Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer has been one of college football’s surprise stories of the season, and the NFL is taking notice.
The transfer from Washington State who followed offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle to Norman has exceeded preseason expectations, drawing early comparisons to one of the Sooners’ most beloved figures.
“He does remind me a lot of Baker (Mayfield),” one NFL scout told The Athletic. “I don’t know if he throws it quite as well as Baker does, but I think he’s a better runner. And he plays with that same big chip on his shoulder. I think OU needed that.”
Mateer ranks second in the nation in total offense at 351 yards per game, trailing only Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green. He has shouldered the Sooners’ offense, guiding wins over Michigan and Auburn before suffering a broken bone in his throwing hand against the Tigers.
His absence could stretch into mid-October, but his impact in the first month was unmistakable. Mateer set the tone immediately, throwing for 392 yards and three touchdowns in a season-opening win over Illinois State. The performance broke Mayfield’s 2015 program record for passing yards in an opener, further adding comparisons to the Heisman winner who once carried Oklahoma to three Big 12 championships.
Mateer finished the Auburn game despite the injury, accounting for 271 passing yards and a game-sealing rushing touchdown. Days later, fresh off surgery in Los Angeles, he was already testing his limits at practice and eager to be back out on the field. Mateer’s early-season heroics at Oklahoma is more than a team rallying behind a fiery quarterback.
Like Mayfield, the 6-foot-1, 218-pound dual-threat has a skill set to command attention at the next level.
Mateer is a future pro prospect whose game and attitude have already made him the centerpiece of Oklahoma’s resurgence under Brent Venables.
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