Oklahoma QB John Mateer brings stability for Brent Venables in Year 5

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The Oklahoma Sooners are entering into Year 5 of the Brent Venables era. During his tenure, Venables has only had a starting quarterback return once.

Dillon Gabriel was the starter in 2022 and 2023. The Sooners then turned the reins over to former five-star Jackson Arnold in 2024. That was a disaster, so the Sooners moved to Washington State Cougars transfer John Mateer. He led Oklahoma to a 10-3 season and a College Football Playoff berth last year.

However, since he didn't play well enough to test the NFL waters, Mateer decided to return to Norman. ESPN's Greg McElroy reveals that stability could pay off for Oklahoma.

"John Mateer being back for his second season as the starter," McElroy said on 'Always College Football.' "That's pretty significant because it's only the second time in the Brent Venables tenure that Oklahoma has brought back their signal caller."

The continuity at quarterback could be particularly important for the Sooners entering 2026. Mateer already has a full season in Oklahoma's system, and the Sooners have spent the offseason adding more weapons around him.

McElroy has also been high on Oklahoma's overall roster entering the season. He recently placed the Sooners among his SEC teams with legitimate national championship potential, highlighting Mateer's return and the improvements Oklahoma made around him.

The biggest question is whether Mateer can stay healthy and regain the form he showed early last season. He was playing at a high level before a hand injury altered the second half of his season, and McElroy identified his health and decision-making as major factors in Oklahoma's ceiling.

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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma QB John Mateer brings stability for Brent Venables in Year 5

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