From fierce practice field trash talk to his relentless work ethic, the Sooners' defensive end reveals how the quarterback's transformed mentality is electrifying the entire offense
TAMPA, Fla. - Oklahoma defensive end Taylor Wein had some really positive comments about quarterback John Mateer during SEC Media Days, and it was cool hearing it from a guy who goes against him every single day in practice.
Wein didn’t hold back when talking about what he’s seen from Mateer this offseason and how he’s elevating the whole offense.
Wein started off by calling Mateer exactly what he is. "A very excellent quarterback. He plays very, very consistent. I know that he's very, very self-motivated, just like a lot of the guys on the team. And he does a good job just attacking his weaknesses."
Wein sees Mateer up close every day, and he’s noticed how hard Mateer works on his game. He’s not just showing up and going through the motions — he’s attacking his weaknesses and trying to get better every rep. That kind of self-motivation is contagious on a team.
Wein went on to talk about the growth he’s seen."I've seen John completely elevate his game and completely transform as a player and his mentality. And it's only elevated the whole offense, and it's brought a huge pulse to the offense and we're excited."
Mateer looked like one of the best quarterbacks in the country early last season before the thumb injury slowed him down. Now it sounds like he’s come back even stronger, both physically and mentally. Having that kind of quarterback play raises the ceiling for the entire offense. When the quarterback is locked in and bringing energy every day, it lifts everybody around him.
Wein also touched on Mateer’s competitive fire. "We know John has a very good mindset and he's competitive. And it's actually really funny going against him at practice every day, he's the number one dude talking smack. We're going back and forth and whatnot. It's a really good thing. So, we're excited."
This shows the competitive edge Mateer brings to practice. He’s not just out there going through drills quietly — he’s talking smack and competing like it’s a real game. It makes sense why he's been drawing comparisons to Baker Mayfield.
That back-and-forth with the defense makes practice harder and gets everyone better. Wein even said it’s funny, which tells you it’s all in good fun but still intense.
For the defense, going against a guy like Mateer every day in practice has to make them sharper too. If they can handle Mateer and that offense in practice, they should be ready for what they see on Saturdays. It creates a competitive environment that pushes the whole team.
Mateer has talked about wanting to improve his completion percentage, decision-making, and staying ahead of the chains this year. From what Wein is saying, it looks like he’s doing the work to make that happen.
The weapons around him are better this season with Isaiah Sategna III returning, the new transfers at receiver and tight end, and potentially an improved offensive line.
If Mateer stays healthy and plays with that same fire Wein described, this offense has a chance to be really good.
Hearing a defensive leader like Taylor Wein speak this highly of the quarterback says a lot about team chemistry. It shows the program is in a good place, and that there isn't any infighting between the offense and the defense.
The veterans are bought in, they’re competing hard against each other in practice, and they’re excited about what they see.
Mateer has already shown he can play at an elite level when healthy. Now it sounds like he’s even more locked in.
Taylor Wein gave us a good glimpse into what John Mateer is bringing to the table this year. The guy appears to be self-motivated, competitive as heck, and now he needs to elevate the offense.
