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Oklahoma Sooners star quarterback John Mateer had an up-and-down first season in Norman.
Mateer had a great start to the season. He threw for 1,215 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions through the first four games, while also rushing for 190 yards and five touchdowns. During that stretch, he helped lead Oklahoma to a 4-0 start and quickly entered the early Heisman Trophy conversation.
However, after breaking his thumb against the Auburn Tigers in that fourth game, Mateer was never the same. Over the final eight games, he passed for 1,670 yards with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions, while adding 241 rushing yards and three touchdowns. That contrast was one of the biggest storylines of the season.
Aaron Murray appeared on "The Hard Count," where he said the biggest change Mateer needs to make this upcoming season is his mindset.
"I thought he played more aggressively early in the season than he did later on. I'm guessing Oklahoma will be a great defense again next year... but I think he needs to get back to that mentality, willingness to throw the football, willingness to take chances."
Mateer had that gunslinger approach early in the season. He wasn't worried about taking shots downfield. That's part of what makes him who he is. However, after the thumb injury, his aggressiveness appeared to decline, and his decision-making became more conservative.
The question entering the upcoming season is how much of that change was tied to the injury versus how much was driven by how SEC defenses adjusted to him after his hot start. Mateer's response to that will be a key storyline for Oklahoma in 2026.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions.You can also follow Jaron on X @jaronspor.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Aaron Murray details key change John Mateer needs for 2026 season
Continue reading...
Mateer had a great start to the season. He threw for 1,215 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions through the first four games, while also rushing for 190 yards and five touchdowns. During that stretch, he helped lead Oklahoma to a 4-0 start and quickly entered the early Heisman Trophy conversation.
However, after breaking his thumb against the Auburn Tigers in that fourth game, Mateer was never the same. Over the final eight games, he passed for 1,670 yards with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions, while adding 241 rushing yards and three touchdowns. That contrast was one of the biggest storylines of the season.
Aaron Murray appeared on "The Hard Count," where he said the biggest change Mateer needs to make this upcoming season is his mindset.
"I thought he played more aggressively early in the season than he did later on. I'm guessing Oklahoma will be a great defense again next year... but I think he needs to get back to that mentality, willingness to throw the football, willingness to take chances."
Mateer had that gunslinger approach early in the season. He wasn't worried about taking shots downfield. That's part of what makes him who he is. However, after the thumb injury, his aggressiveness appeared to decline, and his decision-making became more conservative.
The question entering the upcoming season is how much of that change was tied to the injury versus how much was driven by how SEC defenses adjusted to him after his hot start. Mateer's response to that will be a key storyline for Oklahoma in 2026.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions.You can also follow Jaron on X @jaronspor.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Aaron Murray details key change John Mateer needs for 2026 season
Continue reading...
