Kirk Herbstreit Names Star College Football QB Who Should Go Back to School
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The 2025 college football season was an up-and-down year for Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer.
Mateer started the year on fire, throwing for 303.8 yards per game, six touchdowns and three interceptions, while rushing for 47.5 yards per game and five scores in the first four games of the year. That placed him as the early favorite for the Heisman Trophy. However, during that fourth game against the Auburn Tigers, Mateer broke the thumb on his throwing hand, which sidelined him for one game after having surgery.
He rushed back just in time to play against the Texas Longhorns, but he never fully regained his form for the rest of the season. In his final eight games, he averaged 208.8 passing yards per game, threw eight touchdowns and had eight interceptions, while rushing for an average of 30.1 yards per game and scoring three rushing touchdowns. Despite these challenges, he still led Oklahoma to a 10-3 record and secured a spot in the College Football Playoff, although the Sooners lost 34-24 to the Alabama Crimson Tide.
On the “Nonstop” podcast, Kirk Herbstreit of ESPN was asked whether Mateer should go pro, remain at Oklahoma or enter the transfer portal. He stated that he believes Mateer should return to Norman.
“I don’t think he’s going to the NFL,” Herbstreit said. “Why would he leave a place that’s become home? I guess if someone paid him. My guess is he’s going back to OU. He’s got unfinished business.”
Herbstreit’s comments reinforce the belief that Mateer’s story at Oklahoma is not finished. Within the program, a return would provide immediate stability at quarterback and continuity for an offense that flashed potential early in the season. Mateer’s familiarity with the system and locker room gives the Sooners a clear starting point as they look to build off a 10-win campaign rather than reset through the portal.
From a broader perspective, the recommendation reflects a growing trend in college football where development and opportunity can outweigh early NFL aspirations. A healthy offseason could allow Mateer to recapture the form that once made him a Heisman front-runner, while boosting his long-term draft stock.
For Oklahoma, his decision will shape expectations heading into next season and could determine whether the Sooners reenter the playoff conversation as contenders rather than survivors.
Related: Kirk Herbstreit Names Major College Football Program Haunted by ‘Oh No’ Moments
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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