.jpg)
1 hour ago
4
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer will return for his final season of eligibility, passing on the NFL draft and gives the Sooners a proven starter for 2026, the program announced Thursday.
Mateer, a one-time Heisman Trophy favorite, made his decision one day after the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft. Oklahoma also announced that linebacker Kip Lewis, the team’s leading tackler last season, will return for his final year.
A transfer from Washington State ahead of the 2025 season, Mateer helped spark a bounce-back year for the Sooners, who went 10-3 and returned to the College Football Playoff before losing to Alabama in the first round.
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) January 15, 2026Mateer threw for 2,885 yards, completed 62.2 percent of his passes and accounted for 22 total touchdowns, adding 431 rushing yards and a team-high eight rushing scores.
More: Indiana's Curt Cignetti spends an unhealthy amount of money at Chipotle
His season included adversity. Mateer fractured the thumb on his throwing hand in September, missed one game and played through it all after returning.
More: Demond Williams bombshell could've led to Lane Kiffin's firing at LSU
Mateer previously led the Pac-12 in passing yards (3,139) and touchdowns (29) during a standout sophomore season at Washington State in 2024. He was one of the best transfers from last year. With Mateer back, Oklahoma returns a key leader as it looks to build on last season’s playoff run.
English (US)