Oklahoma QB John Mateer Named Captain, Set for First Start vs Illinois State

John Mateer, the transfer quarterback from Washington State, is set to make his first start for the Oklahoma Sooners against Illinois State and has been named one of the team's seven permanent captains for the 2025 season, a significant honor reflecting his immediate leadership role. Mateer, who started 12 games at Washington State in 2024, has impressed coach Brent Venables and teammates alike with his toughness, instincts, and confidence, drawing comparisons to former Sooner Baker Mayfield. Mateer emphasizes a leadership style focused on leading by example and hard work, inspired by advice from former OU quarterback Jalen Hurts, and he has worked hard to build relationships and foster a positive team environment. Despite the hype and Heisman talk surrounding his arrival, Mateer remains focused on playing and helping the Sooners succeed, confident in the offense's readiness for the season opener. His trajectory at Oklahoma reflects both his personal growth in leadership and his commitment to meeting the high expectations of being a quarterback at a storied program. The Sooners and their fans eagerly anticipate seeing how Mateer performs in his debut and how he sets the tone for the team this season.