Can't Wait For Saturday The Sooners are booming, so why not a Heisman run for Mateer?
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Jun. 25—***
Earlier in June, I used this space to count down the Top 10 Heisman Trophy candidates for 2026. (The list is at the bottom.)
That doesn't come close to covering all the possibilities. Last year, Fernando Mendoza wasn't considered a candidate going into the year. So, into July. I will float some names of guys who might enter the conversation if they get off to a hot start.
Today, another transfer.
John Mateer, Oklahoma quarterback
Last time we saw the Texas native on the field, he was losing a College Football Playoff game to Alabama. Apparently, he is over it because the last time we saw Mateer in real life, he was in Omaha, Neb., celebrating the Sooners winning the College World Series from the stands,
Clearly, Mateer has recovered from his 2025 stumbles. And there were a couple. He went into the season as one of the front-runners for the Heisman Trophy, but that got derailed by a combination of injury and inconsistent performances.
He got off to a great start, setting a record for a first-time Oklahoma quarterback with 392 yards against Illinois State.
The next week, Mateer used his arms and legs to help the Sooners beat Michigan,
He suffered a thumb injury against Auburn that required surgery. He was not the same the rest of the season, falling well short of his earlier performances,
His final numbers don't scream "Heisman candidate." He threw for 2,885 yards and 14 touchdowns with a scary 11 interceptions. His running, which was vital to his success at Washington State fell almost in half. After gaining 826 yards with 15 touchdowns for the Cougars in 2024, his numbers fell to 431 and eight.
My guess is Mateer returns to form. The Sooners need him to if they hope to get back into the CFP.
The Sooners schedule is loaded with games against Michigan in the Big House, Georgia, Texas, Mississippi and Texas A&M.
If you want to be the best, you've got to beat the best. And that was the point of Mateer leaving Pullman for the SEC.
1. Jeremiah Smith Ohio State receiver
2. Arch Manning Texas quarterback
3. Malachi Toney Miami receiver
4. Julian Sayin Ohio State quarterback
5. Trinidad Chambliss Mississippi quarterback
6. CJ Carr, Notre Dame quarterback
7. Dante Moore, Oregon quarterback
8. Demond Williams Jr., Washington quarterback
9. Josh Hoover, Indiana quarterback
10. Darian Mensah, Miami quarterback
Byrum Brown, Auburn quarterback
Sam Leavitt, LSU quarterback
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