John Mateer

NFL Draft Profile: John Mateer

Position: Quarterback | School: Oklahoma (via Washington State) | Class: Redshirt Junior

Height: 6'1" | Weight: 224 lbs | Archetype: Dual-Threat / Improviser

College Career Summary

John Mateer is one of the most electric "chaos-creators" in college football. He spent three seasons at Washington State, where he shattered school records for rushing by a quarterback (including a 197-yard game vs. Texas Tech) and led the nation in total touchdowns (44) in 2024. Seeking to prove his game translated to the highest level, he followed offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle to Oklahoma for the 2025 season.

His debut season in the SEC was a rollercoaster of high-end playmaking and injury-induced turbulence. Mateer began the year with Heisman-level momentum, including a signature win over #15 Michigan. However, a mid-season hand injury sidelined him for a month, cooling his statistical pace. Despite the injury, Mateer's toughness and ability to "will" Oklahoma to victories—most notably a gritty upset over Alabama—solidified his reputation as a high-ceiling prospect with "shades of Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield."

2025 Season Statistical Highlights

• Passing Yards: 2,885

• Completion %: 62.2%

• Touchdowns: 14 Passing, 8 Rushing (22 Total)

• Interceptions: 11

• Rushing Yards: 431

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Week	Opponent	Stats (Cmp/Att, Yds, TD/INT)	Grade	Scout's Notes
1	vs Illinois St	22/31, 392 Yds, 3 TD/1 INT	A	Broke the OU debut passing record. Looked completely in sync.
2	vs #15 Michigan	21/34, 270 Yds, 1 TD/1 INT	A+	The Statement. Added 74 rush yards and 2 TDs to dismantle a top defense.
3	vs Tulane	19/27, 282 Yds, 1 TD/1 INT	B+	Managed the game well; showcased elite off-platform throws.
4	vs Tennessee	19/29, 159 Yds, 0 TD/1 INT	B	Relied on legs (80 rush yds, 1 TD) to pull out a tight SEC win.
5	@ Auburn	16/26, 202 Yds, 0 TD/3 INT	D+	The Turbulence. Hand injury occurred; struggled with grip and vision.
6-9	Injured	—	—	Missed four games due to hand/thumb injury.
10	vs #4 Alabama	15/23, 138 Yds, 0 TD/0 INT	A-	The Return. Pure grit. Played "winning ball" without the flash.
11	@ Missouri	14/30, 173 Yds, 2 TD/0 INT	B	Inaccurate but clutch. Led two late scoring drives to secure the victory.
12	vs LSU	23/38, 318 Yds, 2 TD/3 INT	C+	High volume/production but turnover-prone in a narrow win.

NFL Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite Improvisational Skills: Mateer thrives in the "fire drill." He has an uncanny ability to evade free rushers and deliver accurate sidearm strikes while sprinting to either side.

• Compact Playmaking Build: He is "built like a running back" with a low center of gravity that makes him difficult to bring down in the pocket or on designed QB draws.

• Arm Elasticity: He can generate significant torque from unorthodox launch points. He doesn't need his feet set to drive a 15-yard dig route with zip.

• Mental Toughness: A vocal team captain with "linebacker-style" competitiveness. His teammates rally around his aggressive, attacking style of play.

Weaknesses

• Self-Inflicted Chaos: Mateer often creates his own pressure by bailing on clean pockets too early. He needs to develop more patience to let full-field progressions develop.

• Mechanical Inconsistency: His footwork can become an "unmitigated mess," leading to erratic ball placement. He relies too much on his arm talent rather than sound lower-body fundamentals.

• Size/Durability Concerns: At 6'1", there are questions about his long-term health in the NFL, especially given his high-contact running style and the hand injury suffered in 2025.

• Processing Hesitancy: In a clean pocket, he has a tendency to "stare down" receivers, leading to turnover-worthy plays when he finds the open man too late.

Scheme Fit

• Primary Fit: RPO / Spread Option. He would be an ideal fit for a system like the Arizona Cardinals or Philadelphia Eagles—offenses that can weaponize his mobility and vertical playmaking.

Scout's Final Word

"John Mateer is the ultimate 'Wild Card' of the 2026 class. He is a breathtaking playmaker who balances elite magic with frustrating turbulence. He won't ever be a 'check-down' pocket passer, but his ability to transform a broken play into a 40-yard gain is a rare trait. If a team can refine his footwork and curb his recklessness, he has the ceiling of an NFL starter. Currently, he projects as a Day 2 (Round 2-3) prospect who could rise with a healthy senior season."