John Mateer reveals his dominant comeback plan with new weapons at Oklahoma Football's first spring practice
NORMAN, Okla. — Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer stepped to the podium Wednesday evening following the Sooners' first spring practice of 2026 with a clear message: he's healthier, more comfortable, and excited about the weapons surrounding him in Brent Venables' offense.
The redshirt senior, who transferred from Washington State and helped lead Oklahoma to a 10-3 record and College Football Playoff appearance in 2025 despite a midseason thumb injury, used the opportunity to address lingering questions about his mechanics, while also highlighting the revamped tight end room under new coach Jason Witten.
Mateer was notably free of the medical tape that braced his right thumb throughout much of last season after he underwent surgery on the injury. His throwing motion already showing subtle improvements during the open portion of practice, with more over-the-shoulder deliveries mixed in, though he still occasionally fell back into the side-arm slot when rushing throws.
In his post-practice comments, Mateer was candid about how the injury forced adaptations last fall and how he's reclaiming his natural release now that the thumb is healing.
"My thumb's getting a little healthier, so I can grip the ball better. Getting back to some more over-the-top stuff, less side arm. That all plays in with the thumb, and I'm not making excuses, but that's the truth. I had to adapt a little bit. But, yeah, I looked at some old videos, and it's more closer to the ear is what my dad always told me. Keep the ball close to your ear. That was like real young, but same, same," Mateer said.
The comments reflect a quarterback who spent the offseason studying film of his pre-injury self while working through rehab. Last season's injury, which occurred during the win over Auburn and required surgery, limited his grip and velocity at times, leading to flatter throws and occasional accuracy issues on deep balls and back-shoulder routes.
Prior to the injury, Mateer was the Heisman favorite, but a second-half season slump ended his hopes of taking home the trophy.
Mateer has repeatedly downplayed the injury's role in any struggles, emphasizing mental preparation instead, but he didn't shy away Wednesday from acknowledging its mechanical impact.
The early signs from spring practice suggest the healthier thumb could unlock the big-armed, dual-threat style that made him a standout at Washington State and earned him immediate respect upon arriving in Norman.
Mateer also sounded genuinely thrilled about the offensive personnel additions, particularly at tight end. Oklahoma brought in multiple new bodies to the position which include Rocky Beers and Hayden Hansen. The additions of Beers and Hansen should create a deeper and more athletic group than fans saw in 2025.
Jason Witten, the Pro Football Hall of Famer who signed a three-year deal with the Sooners in January, is now in his first spring leading the room. Witten's presence has already drawn praise for his precise, no-nonsense coaching style.
"Obviously, a lot of new guys, and they’re real good at tight end. It’s a lot of fun. The combination of those guys with that much talent and Coach Witten, it’s a good deal," Mateer said.
The tight end room has drawn attention for its size and athleticism early in camp. Hansen has stood out physically, giving the Sooners a more imposing presence in the middle of the field and as blockers in the run game.
Witten, who was active but measured during the open practice period, has been described as knowing exactly when to step in with corrections without being overly vocal.
For a quarterback like Mateer, who thrives when he can distribute to multiple levels of the offense, the upgrade at tight end could be a game-changer.
The first day of spring practice is never mistake-free, and Mateer was the first to admit the group has work to do. "Personally, it was all right," he noted. "A lot of expectations for day one. Day one will never be perfect, but I got to be a little better as a group. We're at a good place. We do have a lot of new guys and there's obviously a lot of things we do in this offense, but we're in a good spot."
The tone was overwhelmingly positive. With Mateer returning for what should be his final college season, a healthy thumb, and fresh talent at key skill positions, the Sooners enter 2026 with legitimate aspirations to climb higher than last year's playoff appearance.
As the full spring camp unfolds behind closed doors, Mateer's comments Wednesday offered an early glimpse into a quarterback who feels physically liberated and offensively supported.
If the early mechanical tweaks hold and the chemistry with the new tight ends continues to build, Oklahoma's offense could take another step forward in the SEC.