OU football announces return of QB John Mateer, LB Kip Lewis in 2026

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NORMAN — Oklahoma’s starting quarterback is returning for another season in 2026.

The Sooners made it official Thursday as the program announced John Mateer will be back for his second season at OU.

Mateer led the Sooners to a 10-2 regular-season record and College Football Playoff berth in his first season in Norman after transferring from Washington State. He threw for 2,885 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also added 431 rushing yards and eight scores on the ground. Mateer missed one game in 2025 due to undergoing surgery in September to address a right-hand injury.

OU also announced Thursday linebacker Kip Lewis is returning to the program next season. Lewis and Mateer’s returns were expected after they weren’t among the 42 players granted special eligibility for the 2026 NFL Draft.

More: Isaiah Sategna III returning to OU football in major boost for Sooners’ 2026 WR group

Lewis’ decision is a major domino in the Sooners’ offseason as he has been one of their best players the past couple of seasons. 

Lewis totaled a team-high 76 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and four sacks in 2025. He could’ve chosen to declare for the NFL Draft, where he likely would’ve been a Day 2 pick.

The Carthage, Texas, native will again be one of the focal points of coach Brent Venables’ defense.

OU’s defense is fresh off an elite season, ranking eighth in total defense. The Sooners will return safety Peyton Bowen, cornerbacks Eli Bowen and Courtland Guillory, as well as defensive linemen Jayden Jackson, David Stone and Taylor Wein.

The latest announcements follow wide receiver Isaiah Stagena III’s declaration Thursday afternoon that he’d be back in 2026. 

Other players took to social media Thursday afternoon to confirm their returns, although none of them were a surprise, including running back Tory Blaylock and Guillory.

Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: John Mateer, Kip Lewis announce return to OU football for 2026 season

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