Oklahoma QB John Mateer explains how he prepares for SEC defenses
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The Oklahoma Sooners are coming off a breakthrough 2025 season. The Sooners went 10-3 and returned to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2019, marking a major step forward under Brent Venables.
The Sooners also closed the season with an impressive 4-0 run, defeating the Tennessee Volunteers and the Alabama Crimson Tide on the road while taking down the Missouri Tigers and the LSU Tigers at home.
The team was led by one of the best defenses in college football, and also an offense led by quarterback John Mateer. The Washington State Cougars transfer was one of the top players in the 2025 transfer portal class. He was viewed as the player who could finally solve Oklahoma's quarterback questions.
He looked like he was going to live up to that early. In the first four games, he was spectacular, throwing for 1,215 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions, while also rushing for 190 yards and five touchdowns. He didn't continue that strong play once SEC play started. He revealed how he prepares for SEC defenses.
“The SEC is obviously hard, but you’ve got to be able to anticipate things like coverages, situations, and really get to know defensive coordinators, what they’re going to bring, what they like to do,” Mateer told George Stoia at SoonerScoop. “Defensively, it’s going to be difficult because everybody’s good. But knowing the situation and what they’re about to bring, seeing it again — if your brain sees it more and more, you get more used to it.”
Mateer's first season in the SEC provided valuable experience that should benefit him moving forward. The talent was clear, but playing against elite defenses every week requires a different level of preparation and recognition.
If Mateer can continue improving his understanding of coverages and defensive tendencies while staying healthy, he has the ability to take a major leap in 2026 and help Oklahoma compete for a national championship.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma QB John Mateer explains how he prepares for SEC defenses
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