Oklahoma QB John Mateer has another elite skill besides passing

Oklahoma QB John Mateer's true threat is his ability to run

Where Mateer becomes a true game changer is in his ability to run the ball, though. The Sooners will be able to harness his abilities in the red zone to great effect. That much was evident against the Wolverines. Oklahoma will have no problem lining up in formation with lead blockers in front of Mateer and running quarterback power or counter down near the end zone.

When it's blocked well, it's a beautiful thing, but at 6-foot-1, 224 pounds, Mateer is big and strong enough to bully himself into the end zone.

"He's a tough-ass dude," tight end Jaren Kanak said after the game, according to Brandon Marcello of CBS Sports. "He's going to run the ball and he's going to try and run you over. He's got a little stanky leg, too, that he can hit you with."

Not only does Mateer have the skillset to run the ball, but he clearly has a desire to do it as well. In fact, there may be an elite running back in his game.

"I like watching a little Ashton Jeanty film here and there," Mateer said.

Jeanty, a notoriously tough runner, rushed for 4,769 yards and 50 touchdowns in three seasons at Boise State before being selected No. 6 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers.

Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle is not going to want to put that type of wear and tear on Mateer this season, but he's clearly not going to be afraid to ask Mateer to go out there and win games for the Sooners in 2025 — no matter what it takes.

Let 'em rip or run 'em over, Arbuckle has given Mateer the green light.

"The thing with John is, I trust that kid to no end," Arbuckle said. "He understands moments and situations.