Paul Finebaum reveals he's a 'fan' of Sooners QB John Mateer
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Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer is coming off an inconsistent first season in Norman. Mateer joined the Sooners after a stellar season with the Washington State Cougars.
He was one of the most sought-after players in the portal before ultimately following offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle to Norman. He got off to a great start, throwing for 1,215 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions, while rushing for 190 yards and five scores in the first four games. The Sooners went 4-0 in that stretch, and Mateer was one of the leaders for the Heisman Trophy.
Mateer would suffer an injury to his throwing hand in that fourth game. That would require him to wear a brace on his thumb the rest of the season. He struggled, throwing for 1,670 yards, eight touchdowns and eight interceptions, while rushing for 241 yards and three scores in the final eight games of the season.
Despite those struggles down the stretch, ESPN's Paul Finebaum revealed he's a fan of Mateer.
"You know, (I) saw Mateer the other day, and I'm a fan," Finebaum said on WWLS The Sports Animal. "And if he can, you know, stay healthy, if (he) gets, you know, some protection and some weapons, which they didn't really have last year."
Finebaum's comments reflect the optimism surrounding Oklahoma's offense entering 2026. Mateer is now another year removed from his thumb injury, returns with a full season in Norman under his belt, and should have protection behind a more experienced offensive line.
Add in transfer receivers Trell Harris and Parker Livingstone alongside Isaiah Sategna, and the Sooners have surrounded their quarterbacks with significantly more talent. If Mateer can recapture the form he showed early last season while staying healthy, Oklahoma's offense could finally take the leap many expected a year ago.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Paul Finebaum reveals he's a 'fan' of Sooners QB John Mateer
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