History repeats itself as Washington State star QB enters transfer portal

Washington State Cougars quarterback John Mateer. Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

History repeats itself as Washington State star quarterback enters transfer portal

By Ben Rodgers | Last updated Dec 17, 2024 12:25 PM ET

For the second time in as many years, Washington State is losing its star quarterback. Sophomore John Mateer, the nation’s leader in total touchdowns, announced he is hitting the transfer portal just one year after Heisman vote-getter and current Miami Hurricane standout Cam Ward made the same decision.

Mateer threw for 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions to go along with 15 rushing touchdowns and 826 yards on the ground. The Texas-native is the top player available in the transfer portal according to 247Sports.

Pete Nakos of On3 reported that both Miami and the Oklahoma Sooners are in the mix to land Mateer. Washington State's offensive coordinator this season, Ben Arbuckle, recently left Wazzu for the Sooners offensive coordinator opening.

According to Washington State head coach Jake Dickert, the Cougars fielded a competitive offer in an attempt to retain their star quarterback.

Jake Dickert says the WSU NIL offer to keep John Mateer in Pullman was worth 7 figures and is incredibly proud of the work done by the college and the @CougCollective to put a competitive offer out there. pic.twitter.com/st6oJ49v3z
— Andrew Quinn (@andrewquinny) December 16, 2024

It is yet another example of the competitive imbalance of modern college football, as Mateer had very few offers in 2022, committed to Washington State and is now being plucked by a school capable of offering more money and NIL incentives. Because of the timing of the transfer portal window, players like Mateer have little choice but to enter the transfer portal to field all possible offers and opportunities. This comes days after Marshall elected to opt out of the Independence Bowl due to over 25 players entering the portal after a coaching change.

While Ward and Mateer collect their checks and the Cougars scramble for a replacement, one can only wonder how long this system can be sustained with constant player movement, alleged tampering and a lack of roster cohesion each year for FBS schools. As Dickert put it after practice on Monday, "there are no rules."

Washington State will turn to backup senior Zevi Eckhaus for the postseason, as the Cougars close the season with Syracuse in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 27.

Ben Rodgers

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