Oklahoma QB John Mateer Breaks Passing Record in Season Debut

Oklahoma football in 2025 is drawing significant attention as redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer breaks school records in his debut, prompting comparisons to Baker Mayfield, one of the program's all-time greats. Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, who followed Mateer from Washington State, has implemented a high-energy offensive philosophy dubbed 'Attack their f----ing a--,' which Mateer embraced despite turning down higher NIL offers elsewhere for the scheme fit. Mateer's dual-threat capabilities, showcased by his 3,139 passing yards and 826 rushing yards last season, position him as a potential Heisman contender and a key factor in the Sooners' hopes for a rebound season following a disappointing 6-7 record in 2024. The arrival of Arbuckle as Oklahoma's offensive coordinator mirrors the transformative hire of Lincoln Riley a decade ago, both coming from the Air Raid coaching tree and West Texas, fueling optimism for offensive resurgence akin to the 2015 turnaround. Oklahoma faces a tough test early in the season against No. 15 Michigan, which also features a debut quarterback, making the matchup a high-profile showcase for Mateer's talents. Local and national analysts highlight Mateer’s leadership and moxie, cultivated during his high school career despite limited early recruitment, underscoring his underdog rise and the ambitious nature of Oklahoma's offense revamp under Arbuckle's guidance.