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Oklahoma QB John Mateer Returning for 2026, Forgoing NFL Draft

The decision stabilizes Oklahoma’s offseason plan at a position disrupted by a midseason hand injury in 2025.

Overview

  • Oklahoma announced Thursday that starting quarterback John Mateer will come back for his redshirt senior season in 2026.
  • Mateer’s first year with the Sooners ended with 2,885 passing yards on 62.2% completions, 14 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and 431 rushing yards with eight scores.
  • He underwent surgery on Sept. 25 to repair a broken bone in his throwing hand, missed one game, and returned later in the season.
  • Oklahoma finished 10-3 and reached the College Football Playoff, falling to Alabama 34-24 as Mateer threw for 307 yards with two touchdowns and one interception and added a rushing TD.
  • The program also confirmed linebacker Kip Lewis will return for 2026, reinforcing a core that now includes an experienced second-year starter at quarterback after Mateer’s transfer from Washington State in 2024.