The Oklahoma Sooners are one week away from beginning the 2026 college football season, with a College Football Playoff berth among their goals. After a season that generated considerable momentum, Oklahoma enters the new campaign with plenty to prove—particularly at quarterback.
John Mateer remains Oklahoma’s biggest question
John Mateer is among the Sooners hoping to silence his critics. He passed for 2,885 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last season, producing a campaign defined by significant highs and lows.
Mateer opened the year as a Heisman Trophy favorite, but his uneven finish led to questions about whether he can lead Oklahoma over the top in the Southeastern Conference.
ESPN writer Dan Wetzel remains high on the Sooners and has even selected them to win the SEC. However, he acknowledged that Mateer still has more to prove.
“I really like the Sooners,” Wetzel said via the ‘College GameDay Podcast.’ “I think I picked them to win the SEC. I don’t know if John Mateer… like, I got to see more.”
Wetzel’s assessment is notable because his uncertainty about Mateer has not kept him from choosing Oklahoma as his SEC champion. His prediction suggests he believes the Sooners have enough talent around their quarterback to compete for the conference title, even if Mateer must take another step forward.
Oklahoma’s SEC ceiling depends on offensive consistency
Oklahoma’s defense should once again provide a strong foundation, but the offense will need to become more consistent. Mateer’s performance will be central to that improvement after his uneven 2025 season.
The Sooners have enough talent to be taken seriously in the SEC, and Wetzel’s conference prediction highlights their potential. The remaining question is whether Mateer can provide the stability Oklahoma needs to turn that potential into a College Football Playoff-caliber season.
Oklahoma’s fall camp has featured quarterback John Mateer, tight ends coach Jason Witten and offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, along with players including Bishop Thomas, Michael Fasusi, Eddy Pierre-Louis, E’Marion Harris, Darius Afalava, Jacob Jordan, Ace Hodges, Gunnar Allen, Ryan Fodje, Caleb Nitta, Kenny Ozowalu, Jett Niu, Jonathan Hatton Jr., Xavier Robinson and DeZephen Walker.
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