There’s a bit of Baker Mayfield spirit in John Mateer, and it’s certainly worth a closer look. Let’s set the scene: Mayfield was once a gutsy walk-on at Texas Tech and Oklahoma, known for playing intramural softball before carving out a legendary collegiate career. On the other hand, Mateer steps onto the field with a seven-figure NIL deal and the title of the top-ranked prospect in the NCAA Transfer Portal, having just committed to the Sooners.
Mayfield didn’t have access to the NIL or the current transfer portal, which makes Mateer’s journey quite different. Yet, in one important way, they’re the same: Both are Texas prospects who bet on themselves by moving to Oklahoma, and that’s where the magic begins.
The college football landscape has transformed significantly in the dozen years since Mayfield, once overlooked, emerged from Lake Travis High School to unexpectedly make waves in Lubbock back in 2013. Nowadays, this era’s athletes, including Mateer, are reaping the benefits of these shifts.
Before his big moment at Washington State, Mateer, from Little Elm High in the urban sprawl of Dallas, wasn’t exactly on every scout’s radar. His offers came from Incarnate Word, Houston Christian, Columbia, and Central Arkansas before the Cougars came calling. Interestingly, Mayfield, at Lake Travis in Austin, had an almost mirrored experience, featuring brief recruitment interest from schools like Florida Atlantic and Rice until Washington State extended an olive branch.
Washington State, thanks to Mike Leach’s vision at the time, sowed the seeds for Mayfield, which Kliff Kingsbury noticed, offering him a walk-on spot at Texas Tech. For Mayfield, Lubbock was familiar and inviting. For Mateer, Washington State was where he made his mark, setting the stage for his journey to Oklahoma to elevate his career further.
At Oklahoma, Mayfield thrived under the guidance of Bob Stoops’ expert sup, propelled by the talents of a young Lincoln Riley. Now, Mateer is ready to be molded by Brent Venables and the promising Ben Arbuckle. It’s a legacy of mentorship, all connected through the Lone Star State.
Mateer and Mayfield are both products of a unique football pedigree. They play with a similar swagger and knack for improvisation—an essential trait that helped Mayfield clinch three Big 12 titles and a Heisman trophy. Standing 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, Mayfield’s stats revolutionized his collegiate position by merging pass brilliance with a daring rush ability. Mateer, matching his stature and spirit, posted equally impressive numbers with over 1,000 yards rushing and a remarkable touchdown tally at Washington State.
This instinctive playstyle, the penchant for turning chaos into art, is where they shine. Mateer, like Mayfield, has shown he can make things happen out of seemingly nothing—demonstrating his prowess with an enigmatic option pitch touchdown against San Jose State that echoes Mayfield’s career-defining moments.
Mateer’s transition to Oklahoma was well-considered, rooted in personal reasons and family discussions. Despite the potential for emotional conflict, it paved the way for a significant opportunity: being closer to home, under the tutelage of Arbuckle, and with the influence of substantial NIL support.
Competition at quarterback remains fierce, with Michael Hawkins, another talented Texan, throwing his hat into the ring. Ever the competitor, Hawkins embraces the challenge, likening it to Trevor Knight’s indomitable spirit before Mayfield’s renowned take over. Such a competitive environment promises to refine their abilities and ultimately elevate the Sooners’ entire roster.
Next up, Mateer’s rise at Oklahoma glimmers with possibility. Behind his prodigious talent lie stats that impressed, with 268 total points and 44 touchdowns making headlines. Replicating such success in the SEC looks daunting, given the defenses he’ll face are far more formidable than what he encountered in the past.
Yet, here’s where history intrigues us: Mayfield met similar skeptics in 2017, only to dismantle top-ranked defenses, showcasing his mettle. Maybe Mateer has a similar path, a journey of defying odds and succeeding against the best.
Arbuckle’s leadership is crucial, maintaining a competitive edge while letting Mateer’s talents flourish further at Oklahoma. The stage is set, and as the Sooners watch this talented QB prepare to etch his legacy with them, the excitement is palpable. The football world awaits with bated breath as Mateer embarks on his next captivating chapter.
