Saturday Prospect Spotlight: Oklahoma's Next Gunslinger

All the physical tools are here but can the brain keep up with the traits.

NORMAN, OKLAHOMA - AUGUST 30: Quarterback John Mateer #10 of the Oklahoma Sooners rolls out to throw against the Illinois State Redbirds in the third quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on August 30, 2025 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 35-3. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

While the Week 2 college football slate doesn’t have the same volume of “Blue Blood” clashes as Week 1, it has plenty of quality mid-level matchups and then one big-time power clash. Two programs coming off disappointing 2024 seasons meet up in Norman as Michigan travels to Oklahoma. I’m intrigued by the two quarterbacks here but there’s plenty of NFL level talent on both sides. Today we focus on one of the two quarterbacks who has a chance to be draft worthy (and eligible) in the next two years, but trust me, it’ll be hard to ignore the true freshman on the other side.

Reminder: The Browns have TWO first round picks coming in this year's NFL Draft, each Saturday we will highlight a player worth watching with the Browns’ prospect preferences in mind! Obviously we will focus on the highest-ranked prospects this year because the Browns could have a wide range of outcomes for their pick, but we will expand beyond that scope at times.

It will be impossible to think about the 2026 Cleveland Browns without thinking about who their next quarterback selection could be so that will be a consistent theme of these spotlights throughout the year, but I promise we will branch out in other ways as well. For today, though, we head down to Oklahoma to discuss the man who lived in Cam Ward’s shadow before breaking out in 2024.

History

Hailing from Little Elm, Texas, John Mateer has followed an unconventional path to becoming Oklahoma's starting quarterback. A three-star recruit according to ESPN and 247Sports (two-star by Rivals), Mateer began his collegiate career at Washington State where he served as Cam Ward's backup for two seasons, redshirting in one of them, before earning the starting role in 2024.

Following a breakup debut for the Cougars, Mateer entered the Transfer Portal — just like Cam Ward before him. Mateer made the decision to follow offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle to Oklahoma. This step up in competition is similar to Ward’s move to Miami and will give evaluators all the tape they need to decide if he’s a true top prospect.

CORVALLIS, OREGON - NOVEMBER 23: John Mateer #10 of the Washington State Cougars looks to throw during the first half against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)

Stats

2022 and 2023 (Washington State): Redshirt and then 13-17, 235 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception.

2024 (Washington State): 224-347 (64.6%), 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 826 rushing yards, 15 rushing touchdowns

2025 (Oklahoma): (1 Game) 30-37 (81.1%), 392 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception, 24 rushing yards

Scouting Report