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Oklahoma QB John Mateer Returning for 2026 as Sooners Keep LB Kip Lewis

The decision removes draft uncertainty for Oklahoma heading into the offseason.

Overview

  • Oklahoma announced that John Mateer will return for his senior season in 2026, confirming he will forgo the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • Mateer did not appear on the NFL’s early-entry list for underclassmen, reinforcing his plan to stay in Norman.
  • In 2025 he completed 62.2% of his passes for 2,885 yards with 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, added 431 rushing yards and eight scores, and returned 17 days after surgery for a broken thumb on his throwing hand.
  • Oklahoma finished 10-3 and reached the College Football Playoff before a 34-24 first-round loss to Alabama.
  • The Sooners also confirmed linebacker Kip Lewis will return after a team-high 76 tackles, while other returnees include Isaiah Sategna and Tory Blaylock; On3 currently values Mateer’s NIL at $1.6 million, per Bleacher Report.