Healthy, seasoned, and mentored by Sam Bradford, the Sooners' signal-caller enters the SEC with sharpened focus on the details and a deep connection to his offensive staff
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer met with reporters as fall camp got underway and sounded like a quarterback who’s in a good place.
After an up-and-down 2025 that included a thumb injury, Mateer is healthy, more experienced, and clearly locked in on the details that matter.
When asked how camp has been going so far, he kept it simple and positive. “It’s good. It’s a lot of fun getting back out playing football. Kind of just work out for a lot of months of the year.”
He noted the difference in intensity once the pads come on compared to summer work. “Oh yeah, I mean, everybody’s on point, detailed. I mean, we all know what time it is.”
The biggest difference he sees from last year’s team is the growth in those little things. “I think we’ve all developed in the right way. A lot of the detail we need to get cleaned up. Me, one year in the SEC, you just learn about how important everything is and all the little details. So that’s the biggest change.”
That theme of detail and anticipation came up more than once. Mateer said he feels smarter, stronger, and better at seeing things before they happen after another year in the system and a focused offseason.
On the run game, which has been a major talking point, Mateer liked what he’s seen so far. “It looks good. People being physical, being tough. Putting the pads on, really hitting people. You can hear it. There’s a sound to the game of football and it sounds good. It’s fun to be behind.”
He also spoke positively about the new pieces around him. The chemistry with the newer receivers is coming along through constant communication, and he likes the physical presence the new tight ends are bringing to the run game.
On the running backs, he gave credit to Deland McCullough’s detail work and said Lloyd Avant and the young guys are in a good spot.
One of the more telling moments came when Mateer talked about his overall excitement level heading into the season. “I think just playing football. I was a little hurt last year and you had to adapt and do things a little differently. Playing with Coach Arbuckle, Coach Kuz and all these guys I’ve known for so long… knowing them for one year versus two years is so different. I know these guys, I love them. I’m doing it in front of these fans. I think I’m the most excited I’ve ever been to play football.”
That tracks with everything else he said. The relationships are deeper, the preparation has been better, and the physical side feels right.
He also mentioned the time he spent studying film with Sam Bradford this offseason, calling it a valuable opportunity he doesn’t take for granted.
Mateer gave the defense its due as well, noting how much it prepares the offense going against Brent Venables’ group every day. He wouldn’t give David Stone too many props while he was standing nearby, but he made it clear the unit has the potential to be really good.
Overall, Mateer sounded calm, confident, and locked in on the details. He’s not making bold predictions. He’s talking about communication, physicality, anticipation, and enjoying the work.
After everything that went into last season, that mindset is a good starting point as camp rolls on.
The quarterback is healthy, the supporting pieces are coming together, and the excitement is real. Now it’s about turning that into consistent play when the games start.
