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John Mateer vs. Jackson Arnold: Oklahoma QB's NIL Deal More Expensive Than Auburn Star

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cami Griffin | Last updated Sep 20, 2025 2:00 PM ET

It's been a great year for Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer.

Mateer transferred from Washington State to Oklahoma in December and chose the Sooners over North Carolina and Miami. The transfer appears to be a great move for as he's now in the Heisman Trophy conversation with 944 passing yards and five touchdowns through the first three weeks of the season. He's also contributed 161 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

The transfer has been a win off the field for Mateer as well.

On3's Pete Nakos reports that Mateer is set to make between $2.5 to $3 million dollars in NIL payments this season. Along with the Oklahoma Collective, Mateer has also signed an NIL deal with Beats by Dre.

Former Oklahoma quarterback and now Auburn star Jackson Arnold's NIL valuation is $1.6 million in comparison. The Sooners had high hopes for Arnold in Norman but the former five-star recruit didn't quite live up to the hype.

Arnold also appears to have found the right fit with his transfer. He has led No. 22 Auburn to a 3-0 record so far with 501 passing yards and four touchdowns. Arnold's biggest test will be on Saturday when the Tigers face his former team in Norman in a matchup that will have significant College Football Playoff implications.

A win would not only be revenge on a personal level for Arnold, it would lift Auburn into the national spotlight as well.

Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

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

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