Baker Mayfield sends advice to John Mateer for facing Arch Manning, Texas

Oklahoma will see a new face featured under center in 2025 — Washington State transfer John Mateer. He’ll hope to be the next in a long list of successful quarterbacks to have stepped through the Sooners program.

One of those QBs to have paved the way for Mateer is Baker Mayfield, who has carved out a successful NFL career for himself and is heading into his third year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The former Sooners Heisman Trophy winner wished the best for Mateer ahead of a pivotal 2025 season in Norman.

“I’ve been planning on trying to catch up with him,” Mayfield told SoonerScoop at his annual youth football camp in Norman. “Wishing him good luck on the year, but we’ll chat throughout the season. I’m excited for him.”

Mayfield revealed that he was in contact with Mateer during his recruitment process. When he was trying to decide where to transfer, Mayfield offered him some advice by saying “this is the place to be,” citing the fanfare, stadium atmosphere and school tradition as just a few reasons why Oklahoma is different than any other program in the country.

When he did finally commit, one game Mateer likely circled when taking a first glance at the OU schedule — Oct. 11 vs. Texas. Mateer is likely well-aware of the Red River Rivalry and its history. Moreover, he’s likely to take a backseat to Longhorns QB Arch Manning regarding fanfare, as the QB with the famous last name will be put under a microscope in the lead up to that matchup. Fans will be expecting a strong performance in time for October’s shootout.

“I think he’s pretty comfortable being in the underdog role,” Mayfield said. “We can relate on that part.”

The Sooners will have to worry about more than just Texas on its schedule. OU’s schedule also features key matchups such as home games against Michigan, Auburn, Ole Miss and LSU. On the road they’ll face the likes of South Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama.

Mateer will be on the biggest stage of his career as he begins his 2025 season taking snaps under center with the Sooners.

In 2024, Mateer had the numbers to back up his reputation as one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s portal cycle. He threw for 3,139 yards on a 64.6% (224-347) clip during the 2024 season including 29 passing touchdowns and seven interceptions. He’ll look to build on that further, this time in Norman after the success he had with the Cougars.