John Mateer Falls Out Of Top 5 In SEC QB Rankings After Injury-Plagued Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Feb 26, 2026 5:30 PM ET

When John Mateer transferred to Oklahoma, it was considered a significant acquisition for the Sooners. Early in the season, it looked like a home run.

Mateer threw for 1,215 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions while also rushing for 190 yards and five touchdowns, leading Oklahoma to a 4-0 record and making him the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy. However, he broke the thumb on his throwing hand during the fourth game against the Auburn Tigers. This injury caused him to miss one game, and after his return, he was never able to play at the same level.

In his final eight games of the season, he passed for 1,670 yards, eight touchdowns and eight interceptions, while rushing for 241 yards and three touchdowns. This overall performance led Athlon Sports' Steve Lassan to rank him No. 7 in his way-too-early SEC quarterback rankings.

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) tries to break free from a tackle by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Deontae Lawson (0).© Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

"A thumb injury suffered early in the ‘25 season hindered Mateer for the bulk of his Oklahoma debut, but he still ended the year with 2,885 passing yards and 14 touchdowns to go with 431 yards and eight scores on the ground," Lassan wrote. "A chance to get healthy, along with an improved offensive line, rushing attack, and receiving corps, should help Mateer thrive for his second trip through the SEC."

The immediate impact of Mateer’s injury was a dramatic shift in momentum for the Oklahoma Sooners. After racing out to an undefeated start and briefly entering the Heisman conversation, Mateer’s broken thumb against the Tigers altered the trajectory of his debut season in the SEC. His efficiency dipped significantly over the final eight games.

Even so, Mateer still accounted for 22 total touchdowns and nearly 3,300 yards of offense. The broader context matters; injuries, offensive line inconsistencies and the grind of an SEC schedule all played roles in his midseason regression. His ranking at No. 7 by Lassan suggests belief in a rebound, particularly with a full offseason to recover and refine his timing within the system.

Looking ahead, 2026 represents a pivotal year for both Mateer and Oklahoma. If the Sooners improve their protection and run game, Mateer has already shown he can operate at a high level. A healthy second season in the conference could reinsert him into the upper tier of SEC quarterbacks, and potentially back into national award conversations if his early-season form returns.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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