The Oklahoma Sooners are poised for an intriguing quarterback competition if John Mateer, currently in the transer portal, decides to transfer to Norman.
This potential rivalry between Mateer and Sophomore Michael Hawkins Jr. could significantly influence the Sooners’ offense in the upcoming season.
The question then becomes – who earns the job?
Michael Hawkins Jr.:
Hawkins Jr., a 6’1″, 196-pound freshman from Dallas, Texas, quickly made his mark at Oklahoma, and then kind of fell off. After enrolling in January 2024, he was rated a four-star prospect by ESPN, On3, and Rivals.
Passing: Hawkins Jr. completed 48 of 77 attempts (62.3% completion rate) for 536 yards, averaging 7.0 yards per attempt, with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 119.91.
Rushing: He demonstrated mobility with 32 carries for 130 yards, averaging 4.1 yards per carry.
Overall, Michael Hawkins Jr.’s season was what you would expect a freshman to have. However, you can see there is something there. His speed, his quickness, his arm strength. The tools are there, can they be developed?
John Mateer:
Mateer, standing at 6’1″ and weighing 219 pounds, hails from Little Elm, Texas. At Washington State, he led the FBS in total touchdowns (44) during the 2024 season, amassing 3,139 passing yards with 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions, and rushing for 826 yards with 15 scores.
His performance has garnered significant attention, with Washington State coach Jake Dickert stating, “John will be the most sought-after player in the portal. I think he’s gonna be the best player in the country next year.”
John Mateer showcased this year that he can play ball. The second he entered the portal, he immediately became the top player in it. Everyone assumed he would be pipelined directly to Oklahoma, but some reports have come out that might assume otherwise…
Just as Oklahoma fans were beginning to envision Mateer in crimson and cream, reports surfaced that Miami has entered the mix with a compelling offer. The Hurricanes are actively courting Mateer, leveraging their recent resurgence under head coach Mario Cristobal and the allure of South Beach. Not to mention that thier Quarterback, Cam Ward, played at Washington State the year before and was in New York City this year for the Heisman Ceremony.
This development has intensified the stakes, with Mateer now weighing multiple high-profile opportunities.
For Oklahoma, Miami’s involvement complicates what seemed like a straightforward recruitment. The Sooners must now not only sell their program’s vision but also fend off a major contender in the Hurricanes.
Should Mateer ultimately choose Oklahoma over Miami, the ensuing competition with Hawkins Jr. would become a reality.
However, if Mateer opts for Miami, Oklahoma will shift its focus back to developing Hawkins Jr. as the definitive leader of their offense. While this wouldn’t be the ideal scenario for the Sooners, Hawkins’ potential remains undeniable, and the team would still be in good hands.
Whether Mateer ends up in Norman or Miami, one thing is certain: the stakes for his decision are high, and both programs are eager to secure the talents of one of the nation’s most dynamic quarterbacks. For Oklahoma, the potential battle—or lack thereof—will shape the future of their offense and the trajectory of the program for years to come.
