College football analyst believes Oklahoma’s national title hopes comes down to one player

College football analyst believes Oklahoma’s national title hopes comes down to one player

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College football analyst believes Oklahoma’s national title hopes comes down to one player

The college football season is only a week away from Week Zero play. Soon the road to glory will return. Twelve teams are looking to return to the College Football Playoff.

One of those teams is the Oklahoma Sooners. Head coach Brent Venables just signed a major extension and the team has retained key talent on defense. Now, Oklahoma needs one big star to step up in 2026.

College football analyst David Pollack believes Oklahoma can return to national title contention. His X-factor? Quarterback John Mateer.

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“All of y’all in Norman, everybody’s excited … But they know that the biggest reason this team can be successful, and win a national championship, and go to the playoff again. It’s going to be on [John Mateer’s] arm.” Pollack said on the ‘Dari Nowkhah Show.’

Can Mateer Recapture His Washington State Form?

NCAA Football: CFP National Playoff First Round-Game 1-Alabama at Oklahoma

Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Mateer carries a significant amount of responsibility for Oklahoma if the Sooners want to make another run at the College Football Playoff. His 2024 season at Washington State showed why Oklahoma made the move to bring him to the SEC.

Mateer threw for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns that season while adding 826 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. His dual-threat ability made him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the country and helped put him on the national radar.

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However, his numbers took a significant step backward after transferring to Oklahoma. Mateer threw for 2,885 yards with 14 touchdowns in 2025 while dealing with a hand injury that required surgery. He rushed back from the procedure in an attempt to get back on the field, which complicated his transition to the SEC.

NCAA Football: Oklahoma Spring Game

Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

The talent that made Mateer a star at Washington State has not disappeared. Oklahoma needs him to rediscover that form in 2026.

The Sooners have enough talent around him to compete in the SEC and potentially make another deep postseason run. But as Pollack pointed out, Mateer could ultimately determine how far this team goes.

If he can stay healthy, regain the confidence, and explosiveness he displayed at Washington State, Oklahoma could have the quarterback play necessary to move from playoff contender to legitimate national championship threat.

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