What’s Next for John Mateer After OU’s Playoff Loss to Alabama?
As the dust settles on Oklahoma’s rollercoaster College Football Playoff loss to Alabama, the focus in Norman is already shifting toward the future - and specifically, toward backup quarterback John Mateer.
Mateer’s name wasn’t on many radars heading into the semifinal, but when OU starting quarterback Jackson Arnold was sidelined with an injury in the fourth quarter, Mateer was thrust into the national spotlight. It was a high-stakes moment on the biggest stage of his young career - and it came with mixed results.
Let’s unpack what happened, what it means, and where things could be headed for both Mateer and the Sooners.
A Wild Ride in the Fourth Quarter
When Mateer entered the game, Oklahoma was still very much in it. The Sooners had clawed their way back into contention, trailing Alabama by a manageable margin. But with Arnold out, the offense suddenly had a different feel.
Mateer’s first drive showed flashes of promise. He moved the ball with confidence and even capped off the possession with a touchdown, keeping OU’s hopes alive.
But the next two drives? Not so smooth.
A pair of three-and-outs stalled any momentum, and Alabama’s defense - opportunistic and disciplined as ever - seized control.
It wasn’t just that the drives stalled; it was how they stalled. The rhythm was off, the timing wasn’t quite there, and the Sooners couldn’t find the big play they needed. That’s not all on Mateer - far from it - but it did highlight the gap between a seasoned starter and a young backup still learning the ropes.
Brent Venables’ Decision and What It Signals
Head coach Brent Venables had a decision to make when Arnold went down, and he didn’t hesitate. He turned to Mateer, not to a wildcat package or a gadget play, but to a quarterback he trusted to run the offense.
That says something.
Venables could’ve gone conservative. He could’ve leaned even more on the run game or tried to manufacture offense through misdirection.
Instead, he gave Mateer the keys and let him drive. That trust, even in a losing effort, could be significant as the Sooners look ahead.
The Bigger Picture: What’s Next for Mateer?
The Sooners are heading into the SEC next season, and quarterback depth is going to be more important than ever. If Jackson Arnold is the guy - and all signs still point to that - Mateer’s role becomes critical in a different way. He’s the safety net, the next man up, the player who has to be ready to step in at a moment’s notice.
And now? He’s got real playoff experience under his belt. That’s not nothing.
Mateer showed poise in a brutal spot. Yes, there were misfires.
Yes, the offense sputtered late. But he didn’t shrink from the moment, and that’s what coaches remember.
The question now is whether Mateer stays in Norman or explores other opportunities. In today’s college football landscape, where the transfer portal is always buzzing and quarterback movement is constant, it’s a fair question. But if he sticks with the Sooners, he could be a valuable piece - not just as a backup, but as a potential future starter or package player with a growing role.
The Takeaway
Oklahoma’s playoff loss to Alabama was a gut punch, no doubt. But in the wreckage, there are glimpses of what’s next.
John Mateer didn’t deliver a miracle comeback, but he gave the Sooners a glimpse of his potential under pressure. And that might be just enough to earn him a bigger spotlight in 2026.
For now, the book on Mateer is still being written. But one thing’s clear - he’s no longer just a name on the depth chart. He’s a quarterback with playoff reps, a coach’s trust, and a future worth watching.