Joel Klatt Names the Best Player in College Football

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Sep 17, 2025 11:49 AM ET

As the 2025 college football season continues, many players are catching the attention of fans and analysts. Fox Sports' Joel Klatt has his eyes on one quarterback leading a 3-0 SEC squad.

In a video posted to "The Joel Klatt Show: A College Football Podcast," he revealed his top 10 quarterback rankings after Week 3. At the top stood Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer, earning extremely high praise.

"If I had to hand in a Heisman ballot right now, it’d be John Mateer," Klatt said. "I think he’s been the most impressive player, the best player, the most impactful player in college football through three weeks."

In his first season with the Sooners after transferring from Washington State, the dual-threat quarterback has truly risen to the occasion.

In three games, Mateer has completed 71-of-105 passes for 944 yards, five touchdowns, three interceptions and a 153.1 passer rating. He's also rushed for 161 yards and four touchdowns.

Those numbers may not jump off the page, but it's the effect he has on those around him that truly impresses Klatt.

"Has he made a couple of mistakes turning the ball over? Yes," Klatt added. "Are his numbers as good as some of the other guys on this list? No. But he goes out there and elevates the play of everyone around him."

Through the first three weeks, he has positioned Oklahoma as a true College Football Playoff threat, currently ranked No. 11 in the AP Top 25 poll.

Mateer's performance has the Sooners and head coach Brent Venables poised to improve on their 6-7 record in 2024. As of now, a potential SEC Championship Game appearance doesn't seem out of reach.

Klatt isn't the only one who believes the quarterback could bring home one of college football's most prestigious awards. ESPN BET currently gives Mateer the best odds (+850) to win the Heisman Trophy.

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

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