Former WSU Quarterback John Mateer Transfers to Oklahoma, Reunites with Ben Arbuckle
Former Washington State University quarterback John Mateer has officially announced that he will transfer to the University of Oklahoma. In a move that has garnered significant attention from college football fans and experts, Mateer is set to join the Oklahoma Sooners, where he will reunite with former WSU offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.
This move marks a new chapter for Mateer, who played for WSU during the 2024 season. While his time as a Cougar was relatively short, Mateer showcased a promising skill set that caught the eye of many onlookers, including Arbuckle, who left WSU for Oklahoma following the 2024 season. Arbuckle’s decision to bring Mateer to Oklahoma signals a strong belief in his potential to make an impact at the collegiate level.
A Fresh Start for Mateer
John Mateer’s decision to transfer comes as part of a broader trend in college football, where players often change schools in search of new opportunities and challenges. After spending one season at Washington State, Mateer is eager to start fresh at Oklahoma and prove himself in one of the most competitive football programs in the nation.
I’m excited for the opportunity to join the University of Oklahoma, said Mateer in an official statement. “I’ve always admired the Sooners’ tradition of excellence and the high level of competition in the Big 12. It’s an honor to reunite with Coach Arbuckle, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the team in any way I can.”
The 6-foot-4, 215-pound quarterback brings with him a strong arm, good mobility, and the ability to make plays under pressure—traits that made him stand out during his time at Washington State. His decision to move to Oklahoma is seen as an opportunity for him to further develop under the guidance of Arbuckle, who is known for his innovative offensive schemes.
The Arbuckle-Mateer Connection
Ben Arbuckle’s relationship with Mateer goes beyond just being a coach and player. Arbuckle, who was the offensive coordinator at Washington State for the 2024 season, has been a pivotal figure in Mateer’s development. The two developed a strong rapport during their time together, with Arbuckle recognizing Mateer’s potential to excel in a high-powered offensive system.
Arbuckle himself made the move to Oklahoma after a successful stint at WSU, where his offensive schemes led to impressive performances by the Cougars’ offense. Now at Oklahoma, Arbuckle is tasked with revitalizing the Sooners’ offense, and bringing Mateer on board is a strategic move that shows confidence in the quarterback’s abilities.
“John is a quarterback with tremendous potential, and I’ve seen firsthand the work he’s put in to become a better player,” said Arbuckle. “I believe he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and I’m excited to have him as part of our program here at Oklahoma.”
Mateer’s familiarity with Arbuckle’s system will be invaluable as he transitions to a new school and a new conference. The two already have a strong working relationship, which should ease the transition for Mateer and allow him to focus on refining his game within a high-profile program.
Oklahoma’s Expectations
For Oklahoma, the addition of John Mateer to the roster is an exciting development, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position for the Sooners. While Oklahoma has a strong football program and has consistently been a contender for championships in the Big 12 and beyond, finding the right quarterback to lead the team into the future is always a top priority.
Mateer will compete for the starting role alongside other talented quarterbacks, but his familiarity with Arbuckle’s offensive philosophy could give him an edge as he adapts to the fast-paced, high-scoring style of play that has become synonymous with Oklahoma football.
The Sooners’ offense is known for being dynamic, and Mateer’s skill set seems to align well with the type of quarterback play that Arbuckle likes to deploy. Oklahoma fans are hopeful that the transfer will bring a new level of competition to the quarterback room and, ultimately, help lead the Sooners to continued success in the coming seasons.
Looking Ahead
John Mateer’s transfer to Oklahoma is just the latest example of the evolving landscape of college football, where players are often on the move in search of new opportunities. For Mateer, this is a chance to showcase his abilities on a bigger stage and continue his development as a quarterback under the guidance of Ben Arbuckle.
As the 2025 season approaches, Oklahoma fans will be eagerly watching to see how Mateer adapts to his new environment and whether he can make an impact in one of college football’s most prestigious programs. With his strong arm and athleticism, Mateer has the tools to thrive in Oklahoma’s offense, and his reunion with Arbuckle could prove to be a winning combination for both player and program.
For now, Mateer is focused on the next chapter of his career and is excited to take on the challenges that lie ahead at Oklahoma.
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