**How John Mateer Is Earning the Respect of His Teammates as Oklahoma’s Startin Quarterback**
**NORMAN, OK —** With a new college football season on the horizon, all eyes in Norman are on **John Mateer**, the redshirt sophomore who has emerged as Oklahoma’s new starting quarterback. Taking the reins of one of the most storied programs in college football is no small feat, especially at a school where expectations are sky-high and the legacy of quarterback excellence runs deep. But Mateer isn’t flinching. In fact, he’s quietly winning over the locker room — not with theatrics, but through preparation, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the team.
### A Calm Takeover
After a competitive spring quarterback battle and the departure of former starter Jackson Arnold, Mateer was elevated into the spotlight by head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Seth Littrell. But rather than celebrate too early, Mateer responded with business-like focus, showing up to every meeting, workout, and walkthrough with a quiet intensity that caught his teammates’ attention.
Veteran wide receiver Jalil Farooq recently praised Mateer’s mindset:
> “He’s not the loudest guy in the room, but you feel his presence. He’s sharp, knows the playbook better than anyone, and holds himself accountable. That earns respect.”
### Preparation Sets the Tone
What’s impressed coaches and players alike is Mateer’s **command of the offense**. Even before he was named the starter, Mateer was studying film late into the night, peppering coaches with questions, and running extra reps with second-string wideouts. His attention to detail and deep understanding of Littrell’s new scheme has helped the offense gel faster than expected.
Quarterbacks coach Joe Jon Finley described Mateer as “obsessive about getting things right,” saying:
> “John’s a guy who doesn’t just learn the playbook — he lives it. He’s constantly asking about coverages, protections, reads. His preparation rubs off on the rest of the team.”
### Leading by Example
Mateer’s leadership style is more **action than talk**, and in a locker room full of alpha personalities, that approach is resonating. During early summer workouts, he was consistently the first on the field and the last to leave. Teammates have noted how he encourages younger players, offers corrections without condescension, and owns up to mistakes without deflection.
Running back Gavin Sawchuk explained:
> “John doesn’t act like he’s better than anyone. He’s humble, but confident. When we see him grinding, putting in extra work, it motivates everyone else to step up.”
### Football IQ Meets Poise
While Mateer may not yet be a household name, those within the Oklahoma program have known for months that he has the football IQ and poise needed to succeed at the Power Five level. He showed flashes in limited snaps last season and impressed in the spring game with his ability to go through progressions and throw with touch under pressure.
Now, with the full offense behind him and the coaching staff tailoring the system to his strengths, Mateer has the opportunity to thrive. Littrell’s offense emphasizes tempo, timing, and decision-making — all areas where Mateer has quietly excelled.
### ️ Earning Trust, Not Demanding It
Perhaps most importantly, Mateer hasn’t demanded respect — he’s earned it. That’s the distinction his teammates keep returning to. In a culture that demands humility and hard work, Mateer has fit right in and elevated those around him.
Defensive captain Danny Stutsman summed it up well:
> “John’s not trying to be someone he’s not. He’s authentic. When you’re real with people, and you put in the work, guys follow. That’s leadership.”
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### ✅ Looking Ahead
With fall camp underway and the Sooners eyeing a strong debut in the SEC, Mateer will face his biggest test yet. The schedule is tough, the spotlight is intense, and the pressure is unlike anything he’s seen before. But for now, he’s focused on the basics: stacking good days, improving chemistry with his receivers, and continuing to lead by example.
Whether Mateer becomes the next great Oklahoma quarterback remains to be seen. But if earning the respect of a locker room is any indication, he’s well on his way.
