Image Source: Tarohn Finley
Key Takeaways
- Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer will return to play for the Sooners next season and forego the 2026 NFL Draft
- Mateer suffered a hand injury in Week 4, which required surgery and caused him to miss a game
- Despite the injury, Mateer finished the season with 2,885 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 12 starts
- The Sooners finished the regular season 5-0 and advanced to their first College Football Playoff appearance under head coach Brent Venables
- Linebacker Kip Lewis and wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III will also return to the Sooners next season
Introduction to John Mateer’s Decision
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer has announced that he will return to play for the Sooners next season, opting to forego the 2026 NFL Draft. This decision was shared via a social media post from the team, and it has sent shockwaves throughout the college football world. As Mateer noted, he is excited to return to the Sooners and build on the team’s success from last season. According to the team’s social media post, "John Mateer will return to play for the Sooners next season and forego the 2026 NFL Draft." This decision is a significant boost to the Sooners, who are looking to make another deep run in the College Football Playoff.
The Impact of the Injury
Mateer’s season was marked by a significant injury, which occurred in Week 4 and required surgery. As the article notes, "Mateer was slowed down after suffering a hand injury in Week 4, which required surgery." This injury caused him to miss a game, and it had a lasting impact on his performance for the rest of the season. Despite the injury, Mateer was able to return to the field and lead the Sooners to several key victories. However, his numbers were down across the board, and he struggled with interceptions, throwing 11 on the season. As the article states, "Mateer threw three interceptions in the 23-6 loss" to the Texas Longhorns, and he also had "four games throwing for under 200 yards after the injury."
A Look Back at the Season
The Sooners were able to finish the regular season 5-0 and advance to their first College Football Playoff appearance under head coach Brent Venables. Despite ultimately losing to Alabama in the first round of the playoffs, the team showed significant promise and potential for the future. Mateer played a key role in the team’s success, throwing for 2,885 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also rushing for 431 yards and 8 touchdowns. As the article notes, "The 21-year-old quarterback finished the season throwing for 2,885 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 12 starts last season." The team’s performance was also boosted by the play of linebacker Kip Lewis and wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III, who both announced that they will return to the Sooners next season.
The Decision to Return
Mateer’s decision to return to the Sooners is a significant one, and it has major implications for the team’s future. As the article states, "Mateer’s numbers were down across the board in his first season with the Sooners." However, with another year of experience and a healthy hand, Mateer is likely to be one of the top quarterbacks in the country. The Sooners will also benefit from the return of Lewis and Sategna, who were key contributors to the team’s success last season. As the article notes, "Lewis led the team with 76 tackles, 4 sacks, 4 pass breakups and 1 forced fumble," and "Sategna led the team with 67 catches for 965 yards and 8 touchdowns in his first season with Oklahoma after transferring from Arkansas."
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, John Mateer’s decision to return to the Sooners is a major boost to the team’s chances of success next season. With a healthy hand and another year of experience, Mateer is likely to be one of the top quarterbacks in the country. The return of Lewis and Sategna also adds to the team’s depth and talent, and the Sooners are likely to be a major contender in the College Football Playoff. As the article notes, "The Sooners were able to finish the regular season 5-0 and advance to their first College Football Playoff appearance under head coach Brent Venables." With Mateer back at the helm, the Sooners are poised to make another deep run in the playoffs and potentially bring home a national championship. As Mateer returns to the field, he will be looking to build on his previous success and lead the Sooners to even greater heights.
https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/breaking-news/article/qb-john-mateer-returns-to-oklahoma-next-season-001817503.html
