Oklahoma sticks with QB John Mateer despite pressure to make a change

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Oklahoma sticks with QB John Mateer despite pressure to make a change

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Nov 6, 2026 12:01 PM ET

The Oklahoma Sooners entered the 2026 season with lofty expectations.

What is always an outstanding defense was expected to be accompanied by a productive Year 2 of quarterback John Mateer, but that hasn't quite been how the season has played out.

Mateer has struggled throughout the season, causing Oklahoma to sit at 4-4 through eight games and turn to its second offensive coordinator of the season. The struggles led many to question Mateer's future as the starting QB, but a report on Friday cleared up those questions.

John Mateer is expected to remain the starting QB for Oklahoma

According to On3's George Stoia and Pete Nakos, Mateer is expected to take the field as the starting quarterback on Saturday night against No. 23 Florida.

That was expected to be the case, but head coach Brent Venables left the door open for a quarterback change when asked about it on Tuesday.

NEW: Oklahoma is expected to start QB John Mateer at Florida on Saturday night, @GeorgeStoia and @PeteNakos report.https://t.co/nin0Wuchqg pic.twitter.com/4Gfd8evB7u
— On3 (@On3) November 6, 2026

I asked Brent Venables if John Mateer is going to be the #Sooners' starter this weekend.

"Everything's on the table... All three quarterbacks got reps [Monday]." pic.twitter.com/rLyApxRJsD
— Parker Thune (@ParkerThune) November 3, 2026

John Mateer should be able to play well against Florida

Oklahoma will enter play Saturday ranked at the very bottom of nearly every offensive category in the SEC. The Sooners are 15th in yards per game, 11th in passing, 14th in rushing and 15th in points.

That is a reflection of both the recently fired Ben Arbuckle as well as the struggling Mateer. If things are going to get corrected, though, it should be against Florida, as the Gators are in the bottom half of the SEC in most defensive categories.

If Mateer is unable to come out firing and moving the ball down the field against a poor SEC team, it may be time to make a change and turn to backup quarterback Whitt Newbauer to provide a spark.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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