Can John Mateer be the next Heisman-winning quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners? ESPN likes his odds
The Oklahoma Sooners have a rich history with the Heisman Trophy, with the second-most winners in college football at seven. Only the USC Trojans have more with eight. However, the Sooners have had a bit of a cold streak in recent years of players in contention for the prestigious award. Former Sooners like Caleb Williams […]
The Oklahoma Sooners have a rich history with the Heisman Trophy, with the second-most winners in college football at seven. Only the USC Trojans have more with eight.
However, the Sooners have had a bit of a cold streak in recent years of players in contention for the prestigious award. Former Sooners like Caleb Williams and Dillon Gabriel have finished as finalists, but the Sooners haven't had a player in the running since Jalen Hurts finished as a finalist in 2019.
ESPN believes that might turn around in the 2025 season, however, as they ranked transfer quarterback John Mateer as one of their top 10 most likely Heisman candidates.
"Cam Ward almost won the Heisman Trophy and became the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft after transferring to Miami from Washington State. Mateer, another Wazzu transfer, is coming off of his own breakout season following two years of backing up Ward. If the Sooners can protect him — a big if — Mateer could become the next in a long line of OU transfer QBs (Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, Jalen Hurts) to contend for the Heisman"
It's not totally far-fetched to imagine Mateer is in the running for the award if the Sooners' offense turns it around. Last season at Washington State, he passed for over 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns, while also tacking on 826 yards and 15 scores on the ground, and that was in his first season as a starter in this system. With another year under his belt in Ben Arbuckle's scheme and upgraded weapons all around him, Mateer's production could skyrocket in 2025.
If he hits similar or better numbers this season for the Sooners and the defense holds true to last year's results, then Oklahoma is likely pulling in a successful season that could put him in the running for the Heisman. While I won't go as far as to say he should be a favorite, Mateer could be a sneaky "buy low" candidate for the award.
As an aside, it's not "a big if" on whether they can protect the quarterback. Last year is a thing of the past when it comes to their offensive line, and the Sooners return all the key pieces to return to their typical form up front.
