The Washington State Cougars have had quite the football roller coaster this season, thanks to their standout quarterback, John Mateer. This kid had the Cougars dreaming big with more than 3,130 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, accompanied by another 826 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground. Mateer was the ultimate offensive threat, slicing through defenses like a hot knife through butter.
Despite finishing the season at 8-4, the Cougars weren’t quite playoff-bound but still managed a commendable showing, especially after the departure of their previous Heisman finalist QB, Cam Ward, to the Miami Hurricanes. Just as the fans set their sights on a hopeful horizon, Mateer entered the transfer portal on December 16th, immediately becoming the headline act in college football’s transfer saga.
Adding fuel to the fire, Washington State head coach Jake Dickert weighed in on Mateer’s surprising exit with some candid remarks: “At the end of the day, he wanted to play on a bigger stage,” he said, suggesting that a seven-figure offer was on the table. Yes, that’s over a million dollars! Even with that eye-popping figure, it wasn’t enough to keep Mateer around. In today’s college football landscape, players know their worth, and Mateer seems poised to secure an offer triple what Washington State could provide.
Dickert was forthright about the sometimes-chaotic transfer scene, commenting, “Well, I think the first step is realizing there are no rules.” With numbers like 30 passing touchdowns and 15 rushing touchdowns per season, it’s no surprise top-tier programs are heavily courting him.
Mateer’s departure isn’t just a blow; it’s a game-changer. With Mateer ranked 5th nationally in passing touchdowns, 8th in efficiency, and 5th in points responsible for, his loss feels akin to yanking the engine out of a high-performance sports car. Without him, the team risks being all style, no go.
His journey appears to echo Cam Ward’s, who left for Miami last season and transformed into a Heisman contender with offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson’s guidance. Wazzu faithful might need to brace themselves for another player turning into a star elsewhere.
As for Mateer’s next chapter, the spotlight is on Oklahoma and Miami. The Sooners might hold the inside track, thanks to Mateer’s old allies, offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and QB coach John Kuceyeski, now leading Norman’s charge. That familiarity could be a decisive factor.
On the flip side, Miami is actively promoting its recent quarterback success, with Cam Ward’s impressive 36-touchdown, 4,123-yard season serving as a tantalizing blueprint. Leading the nation’s top offense and securing a 3rd place Heisman finish could certainly appeal to Mateer.
For Washington State, the loss is substantial. Two pivotal quarterbacks, gone in consecutive seasons, despite the enticing lure of NIL deals. But for Mateer, the future is promising. Whether he ends up suiting up for the Sooners, Hurricanes, or another program, he’s got the chance to reinforce his status among the nation’s elite. As he steps into this next phase, not only will the college football scene be tuned in, but so will those eye-watering seven-figure endorsements.
