Former Oklahoma Sooners Football head coach Bob Stoops witnessed quarterback John Mateer's impressive offseason work in spring practices, noting exceptional conditioning and running ability that excites for 2026
Oklahoma Sooners legend Bob Stoops delivered glowing reviews of quarterback John Mateer following a recent visit to the team’s spring practices, offering fans a dose of optimism heading into the 2026 season. Appearing on The Plank Show on KREF Radio alongside host Chris Plank, the former head coach didn’t mince words about what he observed from the redshirt senior signal-caller.
“I thought John looked really good, which isn’t a surprise,” Stoops said. “I thought he looked in really good shape too. It looks like, I don’t know, it just seemed to me like he even was—not that he’s not run well—but he was running around really well. So I thought he looked good.”
The comments come at a pivotal time for Mateer and the Sooners. Spring ball is underway, giving coaches and players a chance to install schemes, evaluate depth, and build chemistry ahead of the fall.
For Mateer, who transferred from Washington State in January 2025 to reunite with offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, this offseason represents his final shot at college football glory in Norman.
After a 2025 campaign that featured flashes of brilliance tempered by a thumb injury and inconsistency, Mateer opted to return for his redshirt senior season rather than enter the NFL Draft.
Stoops, who coached Oklahoma to a 191-48 record and the 2000 national championship during his 18-year tenure (1999-2016), remains a trusted voice in the program.
His praise for Mateer’s physical condition and mobility carries significant weight. The emphasis on Mateer’s conditioning and running ability stands out.
In Arbuckle’s system, Mateer has to be dual-threat playmaker. Stoops noted that Mateer’s movement looked even sharper than expected, suggesting the quarterback has prioritized athleticism during the offseason.
In the SEC, defenses are bigger, faster, and more physical than ever. That extra burst could prove crucial for extending plays and creating opportunities downfield.
This isn’t the first time Stoops has spoken highly of Mateer. During the quarterback’s early days in Norman last summer, Stoops described him as a “great guy” who exudes natural confidence.
More recently, Stoops has also called Mateer a “natural leader,” noting how his presence can elevate the entire program.
Those qualities were on full display this spring, as Mateer has been vocal about refining every aspect of his game, from footwork to decision-making, after a year spent learning the SEC’s speed and physicality.
This spring, practices have also featured conversations around Mateer’s throwing mechanics. In late March, Stoops addressed the topic head-on on the same radio show, acknowledging that any adjustments Mateer is actively working on are worth discussing.
Yet his latest observations after watching practice in person focused squarely on the positives: health, sharpness, and overall readiness. That shift in tone from mechanics talk to broad endorsement signals progress.
Oklahoma enters 2026 with high expectations under head coach Brent Venables. The offense, led by Arbuckle and Mateer, will be counted on to power a team that has postseason aspirations in a tough SEC.
Mateer’s decision to return gives the Sooners continuity at the most important position. His blend of arm talent, mobility, and leadership, qualities Stoops has now publicly affirmed, could be the difference in close games against conference heavyweights.
In a program steeped in quarterback tradition, from Baker Mayfield to Kyler Murray, Stoops’ stamp of approval resonates deeply. With the spring game approaching, Mateer will have more opportunities to showcase the improvements Stoops highlighted.
Stoops’ words serve as more than just radio soundbites. They reflect the perspective of a coach who built a legacy by identifying and developing winners. For John Mateer, all signs point to that he's doing everything right so far, but the job is just beginning.