NFL Draft analyst makes bold ranking for Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer in latest 2026 NFL Draft prospect rankings

John Mateer, a Top 10 Player?

In CBS Sports' Mike Renner's latest Top-50 rankings for the 2026 NFL Draft , Mateer featured perhaps the highest ranking of any so far in the offseason. Renner ranked Mateer as the tenth overall prospect in the class and the third overall quarterback, ranked behind Arch Manning and Garrett Nussmeier but ahead of players like Cade Klubnik, Drew Allar, and Fernando Mendoza.

Renner cited Mateer's tools as the main reason behind his excitement and optimism for his draft stock.

"I'd put Mateer's tools up against anyone's in the country. He ran for more than 1,000 yards in his first year as a starter for Washington State and has an arm that can get the ball 60-plus yards downfield. Could he be the next transfer portal quarterback to have his draft stock go to the moon?"

I've been a firm believer that John Mateer, at least right now, is in the category of "fun college quarterback" and I haven't personally viewed him as a legitimate top NFL Draft prospect so far. However, the draft community has continued to de liver some rave reviews around Mateer, and none more so than Renner's rankings.

Mateer has a lot to work on to earn a top-10 pick, but a similar situation just occurred with Cam Ward, who went from the "hey, he's got some fun tools to work with" category to the number one overall pick in just one season. If Mateer takes that expected jump now that he's in his second year as a starter, then the sky is the limit for him.

For now, though, he has a lot to prove to reach his draft ceiling in the SEC.