Baker Mayfield gives honest opinion of Oklahoma QB John Mateer

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John Mateer's first season as the Oklahoma Sooners starting quarterback was filled with highs and lows. However, one Sooner legend took notice. Mateer started the year strong, passing for 1,215 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions through the first four games, while also rushing for 190 yards and five touchdowns. During that stretch, he helped lead Oklahoma to a 4-0 start and was the early favorite for the Heisman Trophy.

Mateer broke the thumb on his throwing hand during that fourth game and was never the same. He missed just one game before returning. Over the final eight games, he passed for 1,670 yards with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions, while adding 241 rushing yards and three touchdowns. 

Oklahoma legend Baker Mayfield was in Norman for one of his camps on Saturday and spoke with reporters about Mateer.

"From the first time that I talked to John, you could just tell he's kind of built differently," Mayfield said. "It's an important piece to have when you try to play quarterback at this university. I thought he was insane when he tried to come back to play against Texas… He's as tough as they come, and I think he wanted to be out there for his guys in that game. It's important to him… Stuff like that is going to take them far this year."

Mayfield would know a thing or two about toughness. Throughout his career, he built a reputation for playing through injuries and competing with an edge that made him a fan favorite in Norman and later among his NFL teammates.

His praise carries weight because it comes from someone who understands the expectations that come with playing quarterback at Oklahoma.

If Mateer can stay healthy throughout the 2026 season, Oklahoma will have a better opportunity to see the version of its quarterback that emerged before the injury changed the course of his first year in Norman.

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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Baker Mayfield gives honest opinion of Oklahoma QB John Mateer

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