TAMPA, FL — Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is exactly where he’s always wanted to be.
One year after arriving at SEC Media Days as the Sooners’ new QB1, uncertain of what awaited him in college football’s most unforgiving conference, Mateer returned Monday, July 20, as one of the sport’s most recognizable stars.
The spotlight has only intensified following everything he endured last season. Dozens of cameras tracked his every move while radio interviews filled his schedule at the JW Mariott Tampa Water Street.
After leading the Sooners to the College Football Playoff in 2025, Mateer is embracing the attention because he knows it’s a blessing.
“I’ve got to be on 10,” Mateer said. “I’ve got to be ready to go all the time. It’s a good challenge, a blessing. So if I ever take it and complain about it, I’ve got to realize where I was and where I wanted to be. This is everything I wanted to do.”
Mateer has come a long way since this time last year.
He blames himself for the way last season ended despite the miraculous run to the CFP. Midseason surgery, a swift return for the Red River Rivalry and inconsistent play while rehabbing tested him in ways he hadn’t experienced before.
“Being a year older, a little more mature, that’s natural,” Mateer said. “Going through things, changing and handling your emotions, taking it on the chin like a man and then learning how to be a man. I’m a year older and I’ve got so much more wisdom that I’ve been given from so many people.”
Following the season, outside questions surfaced about whether Mateer was OU’s long-term answer at quarterback. But those inside the program never wavered.
General manager Jim Nagy and coach Brent Venables reinforced their belief in him while shifting their offseason focus toward building a better supporting cast around their quarterback.
That steadfast support stuck with Mateer.
“As a young man, having the belief in me means so much,” said Mateer, who admitted he started to get emotional. “It’s like when your parents say they’re proud of you. It makes you full. I struggled. I really did, but they had my back the whole time, and there is nothing I can say, like, those men mean a lot to me.
“Bringing me back and wanting me to be here and uplifting me to be who I am means the world.”
Once the season ended, Mateer stepped away long enough to reset before attacking the offseason.
Fully healthy, he worked with multiple quarterback trainers, adjusted his throwing mechanics, studied film with Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford and trained with biomechanical specialist Chris Hess, who helped reshape Josh Allen’s throwing motion early in the Buffalo Bills quarterback’s career.
“I feel good,” Mateer said. “It’s not easy, but it’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of. Like I said, the grind is real. The offseason was really good, really beneficial for me and everybody included. So I’m really excited for the year.”
As of late, Mateer has even found a new quarterback to study.
After meeting Terry Bradshaw at the Dallas Card Show, he started watching highlights of the Hall of Famer alongside his usual film study of Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers.
“I love watching good football and I was looking back, because I didn’t know a lot because he’s before my time,” Mateer said. “He’s 4 for 4 in Super Bowls, first overall pick. You find somebody playing old school football, that’s who I pick.”
A year ago, Mateer was learning what it meant to be OU’s quarterback in the SEC.
Now, after enduring the lowest point in his life, he believes he’s better equipped for everything the position demands. He’s confident he’ll be a better quarterback, physically and mentally in 2026.
“It’s a long year,” Mateer said. “You’ve got to play it week to week. You have to have some stamina. But it’s fun. Even the struggle is fun. There’s real beauty in the struggle, and I learned a lot about that and this life and God. It’s not always what you want, but it’s what’s gonna help you out the most.”
Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Order “BOOM TIMES: The Oklahoma Sooners’ Epic Charge to the 2026 College World Series Title” at Sooners.ChampsBook.com. 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 enters 2026 season with renewed confidence
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