As Texas football prepares for the 2025 season, it faces a daunting early challenge: a showdown with the defending national champion, Ohio State. However, it’s the match against their iconic rival, Oklahoma, that carries an air of intrigue.
The Sooners, eager to rebound from a disappointing 6-7 campaign last season, are honing their strategies to thwart Texas’s pursuit of a national title. The narrative takes an intriguing twist with a pivotal new addition via the transfer portal, stirring up excitement and speculation about Oklahoma’s potential.
Dave Wilson of ESPN Thursday highlighted Oklahoma as the team to watch for Texas fans. While Ohio State kicks off Texas’s tough schedule, Wilson delved into why Oklahoma could be a major hurdle.
“For Texas, there’s no matchup more challenging each year than meeting Oklahoma in Dallas,” Wilson noted. “This year, however, the scene’s a bit of a mystery. With new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and quarterback John Mateer, who hails from the Dallas area, on board from Washington State, the Sooners are set for a transformation. This revamped lineup can either provide the momentum or be a major roadblock for a Longhorns squad with eyes on the national championship.”
Oklahoma’s New QB: A Potential Game Changer for Texas
Oklahoma’s latest addition to the roster, John Mateer, represents a dynamic shift in their offensive potential. Known for his dual-threat capabilities, Mateer evokes the athletic prowess reminiscent of past Sooner greats like Kyler Murray and Jalen Hurts.
An accomplished native of Little Elm, Texas, Mateer made a name for himself in Pullman by accounting for 44 touchdowns, including 15 on quarterback keeper runs. Under the guidance of Ben Arbuckle, who previously transformed Bailey Zappe into an NFL prospect at Western Kentucky, Mateer’s talents are poised to shine in Norman.
Arbuckle, also a Texas native from Wichita Falls, has been instrumental in shaping Mateer into a formidable force, ready to tackle the Longhorns. This new-look offense is gearing up well ahead of the much-anticipated Texas-Oklahoma clash on October 11, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying showdown.
