Breaking News: Washington State Quarterback John Mateer Makes Game-Changing Transfer to Oklahoma……
December 20, 2024 — Pullman, Washington
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, Washington State quarterback John Mateer has confirmed that he will be transferring to the University of Oklahoma. This decision, which has caught many by surprise, marks a pivotal moment not only in Mateer’s career but also in the future of both Washington State and Oklahoma football.
John Mateer’s Rise at Washington State: A Quarterback With Promise
John Mateer’s journey through Washington State has been one of consistent development and remarkable potential. After redshirting in 2022, Mateer quickly assumed the starting role in 2023, and by the end of the season, he had established himself as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the Pac-12 Conference. The 6-foot-4 signal-caller from Spokane, Washington, demonstrated impressive command of the Cougars’ offense, finishing his sophomore season with over 2,700 yards passing, 22 touchdowns, and a completion percentage of 63%.
Despite Washington State’s overall lackluster 6-6 record in 2023, Mateer’s individual performances were the bright spot for the team. Notably, his 350-yard, 3-touchdown effort in a thrilling win over Washington was a career-defining moment that showed his ability to lead his team in big games. His poise, arm strength, and ability to read defenses put him on the radar of top programs around the country. However, despite the flashes of brilliance, Mateer’s decision to leave Pullman comes at a time when the program is facing significant challenges, including the shifting dynamics of the Pac-12 conference.
A Bold Move to Oklahoma: Why Mateer Chose the Sooners
Mateer’s transfer to Oklahoma is one of the most significant moves of the 2024-2025 transfer cycle. Oklahoma, a powerhouse program with a rich history of quarterback success, presents a huge opportunity for Mateer to take his career to the next level. Oklahoma has produced a string of Heisman-winning quarterbacks, including Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts, and their offensive scheme has long been regarded as one of the most quarterback-friendly systems in the country.
The Sooners’ transition to the SEC in 2025 makes this move even more crucial for Mateer’s future. The SEC is widely recognized as the toughest conference in college football, and with the Sooners joining its ranks, the competition for both conference titles and individual accolades will be fiercer than ever. It’s clear that Mateer is positioning himself to not only succeed at Oklahoma but to thrive in a conference where NFL scouts will be watching every game.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to compete for championships at a program with a rich tradition like Oklahoma,” Mateer said in his official statement. “After talking with Coach Venables and the staff, it became clear that this was the best place for me to continue my development both as a player and as a leader. I’m eager to get started and to contribute to the Sooners’ success.”
The Impact on Oklahoma: Can Mateer Compete for the Starting Job?
For Oklahoma, this transfer could not come at a more pivotal moment. The Sooners have been in a state of flux at quarterback over the past couple of seasons. Dylan Gabriel, the 2024 starter, showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency, leaving the door open for a fresh face to take over as the team’s leader. With Gabriel’s status uncertain for 2025 and the Sooners’ move to the SEC just around the corner, the team is looking for a quarterback who can handle the pressure of competing in the toughest conference in college football.
Mateer’s arrival adds a new dimension to the Sooners’ quarterback room. With his combination of size, mobility, and arm strength, he is a direct competitor for the starting role in 2025. Coach Brent Venables has already indicated that Mateer will be given a legitimate shot to claim the starting spot, and he is expected to be part of a highly competitive quarterback battle this spring.
“John is a great addition to our program. He has the skills and the mindset to thrive at Oklahoma, and we believe he can help us take our offense to the next level,” Venables said. “The SEC is a challenge for any quarterback, but John’s experience and ability to read defenses will serve him well as we move forward.”
The Sooners’ offensive system, designed to put quarterbacks in positions to succeed, will provide Mateer with the perfect environment to showcase his skills. Should he win the starting job, he could very well follow in the footsteps of Mayfield, Murray, and Hurts, and become one of the nation’s top quarterbacks in the coming years.
Washington State: A Major Loss for the Cougars
For Washington State, Mateer’s departure is a devastating blow. After losing several key players to the transfer portal in recent seasons, the Cougars are now faced with the difficult task of finding a new leader under center. The Cougars’ offense, which had shown promise with Mateer at the helm, will need to rebuild around a new quarterback.
Coach Jake Dickert, who has been with Washington State since 2021, expressed disappointment over the loss of his starting quarterback but respected Mateer’s decision. “John has been a tremendous leader for us, and we wish him the best moving forward,” Dickert said. “We will continue to build this program with the players we have, and we are confident that we will find the next great quarterback for Washington State.”
With the future of the Pac-12 now uncertain due to conference realignments, Washington State will need to make major adjustments. The Cougars have a couple of promising young quarterbacks in Blake Thompson and Aaron Phillips, but neither has the experience that Mateer brought to the table. Thompson, a redshirt freshman, is likely to be the frontrunner for the starting role in 2025, but it remains to be seen whether he can match Mateer’s level of play.
The Bigger Picture: College Football’s Transfer Portal Era
Mateer’s decision to transfer is yet another example of the growing influence of the transfer portal on college football. Players, especially at the quarterback position, are increasingly using the portal to seek better opportunities, higher competition, and more exposure. While this has caused disruption for some programs, it has also led to more dynamic and ever-changing rosters, where players move to where they feel they have the best chance to succeed.
The transfer portal era has changed the recruiting game, with programs like Oklahoma using it to bring in players who can make an immediate impact. For Mateer, the decision to leave Washington State and head to Oklahoma is not just about football; it’s about seizing a unique opportunity to compete at the highest level and further his career.
Conclusion: A New Era for Both Programs
John Mateer’s transfer to Oklahoma is more than just a move from one school to another; it is a statement about the future of college football and the ever-changing dynamics that shape it. For Oklahoma, it is a chance to secure a new quarterback capable of leading the Sooners into the SEC and beyond. For Washington State, it is a painful loss, but one that will push the program to adapt and rebuild. As Mateer prepares to join one of college football’s elite programs, the spotlight will be on him to prove that he is ready for the challenge ahead.
In a rapidly changing college football landscape, players like Mateer are reshaping the way teams build their rosters, and his transfer to Oklahoma is a clear indication of the increasingly competitive nature of the sport. The road ahead for both Mateer and Oklahoma is filled with potential, and fans across the country will be watching closely as this new chapter unfolds.
Leave a Reply