Baker Mayfield’s influence continues to resonate in Oklahoma, working wonders even from afar. The excitement in Norman reached new heights on Wednesday evening when No. 1 transfer portal prospect, John Mateer, committed to the Sooners. Mateer, who was tearing it up as a quarterback at Washington State, decided to follow his offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, to Oklahoma. But the real clincher for his commitment wasn’t just Arbuckle.
According to Toby Rowland, the Voice of the Sooners, it was Mayfield himself who played the pivotal role in persuading Mateer to don the crimson and cream after just two days in the transfer portal. Now, that’s the kind of recruiting magic alumni dream about!
Initially, it looked like Miami had its sights set on Mateer, and there were whispers about North Carolina making moves under their new coach, Bill Belichick. But when Mayfield took action, he sealed the deal by personally reaching out to Mateer, stacking the odds in Oklahoma’s favor.
Remember, Mayfield’s journey to OU was legendary itself. Moving from Texas Tech as a backup, he transformed into a Heisman Trophy winner and a first overall NFL Draft pick. While his move was less headline-grabbing back then, it laid the groundwork for others, like Mateer, to view Oklahoma as a launchpad for greatness.
Mateer carved his name in the records this season, flexing his dual-threat abilities as one of the most productive quarterbacks in the nation. With a staggering 44 total touchdowns, his arm accounted for 3,139 yards and 29 scores, while his legs contributed another 826 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground. His commitment to the Sooners isn’t just a pickup; it’s a statement.
Adding Mateer to the roster represents Oklahoma’s fourth dive into the transfer portal this season, and he’s likely to spark a domino effect in Norman. Prior to him, the Sooners secured commitments from Stanford’s offensive lineman Luke Baklenko and Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s receiver Javonnie Gibson, who pledged allegiance just hours before Mateer did. It’s clear, the excitement in Norman is just getting started. With Mayfield’s endorsement ringing in Mateer’s ears, the Sooners are set for a thrilling chapter ahead.
