Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer led the No. 8 Sooners to the College Football Playoff following an impressive 10-2 season. The quarterback returned from thumb surgery after missing one game, aided by a Sooners bye week, before making a surprise comeback during the Red River Rivalry against the Texas Longhorns.
Mateer’s standout performance of the regular season came in Tuscaloosa in a win against the Alabama Crimson Tide last month, the same team the Sooners will host in Norman during their first-round playoff clash.
Brent Venables Gives Optimistic John Mateer Update
During his weekly news conference on Wednesday ahead of the game against the Crimson Tide, Oklahoma coach Brent Venables revealed why the quarterback was practicing without tape on his previously injured thumb.
“He still has some soreness, so he’s not pain-free,” Venables said. “From a stability standpoint, he’s better than he’s been gripping the ball.”
Brent Venables when asked why John Mateer wasn’t wearing tape on his hand at practice this week:
“He still has some soreness, so he’s not pain free… From a stability standpoint, he’s better than he’s been gripping the ball.” #Sooners
— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) December 17, 2025
Despite once being among the favorites for the Heisman Trophy, Mateer’s production tailed off after his return from thumb surgery. However, he still guided Venables’ team to a coveted spot in the 12-team field.
Against the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa in November, Mateer outdueled quarterback Ty Simpson, completing 15 of 23 passes for 138 yards while adding 23 rushing yards, accounting for one touchdown. The matchup between the two quarterbacks, both of whom had difficult finishes to the regular season, will be key to determining which team advances on Friday.
Mateer Bullish About Playoff Chances Despite Struggles
During media availability on Monday, Mateer discussed the magnitude of the playoff matchup against Alabama and expressed confidence that his performance will rebound after struggling toward the end of the college football season.
“People can say, ‘Oh, it hasn’t clicked in 14 weeks, it’s not going to be able to (now),'” Mateer said. “Whatever. It’s one day at a time, you get better, and you get better with the people around you.
“This is a dream come true,” Mateer said. “This is everything I could ever ask for as a kid. I prayed for this opportunity. I hoped for it, I worked for it, and I’m glad it’s here. I’m not going to take it for granted. I haven’t taken the work for granted, the preparation. It’s awesome.”
After joining Oklahoma from the Washington Cougars via the transfer portal last year, Mateer has totaled 2,578 passing yards with 12 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, while adding 416 rushing yards and seven touchdowns for the Sooners.
