As anticipated, Washington State quarterback John Mateer officially entered the transfer portal on Monday, instantly becoming the most highly sought-after player available. Known for his dual-threat capabilities, Mateer is already drawing significant interest, with Oklahoma initially appearing as the frontrunner to secure his commitment. However, Miami has emerged as a formidable contender in the race to land the talented quarterback, according to a report from On3’s Pete Nakos.
Mateer rose to prominence in the 2024 season when he stepped into the role of Washington State’s starting quarterback. In his debut season as a starter, Mateer showcased his talent and versatility, completing 64.6% of his passes for 3,139 yards. He threw for 29 touchdowns while limiting his interceptions to just seven, a performance that underscored his efficiency as a passer. Equally dangerous on the ground, Mateer added 826 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns with his legs, averaging an impressive 4.6 yards per carry. His combined performance placed him among the top quarterbacks in the nation: Mateer finished fifth in passing touchdowns, eighth in passing efficiency, and fifth in total points responsible for, accumulating 268 points on the year.
Given his success at Washington State, Mateer became an instant priority for multiple programs looking to upgrade their quarterback position. Initially, Oklahoma appeared to have a decisive edge. The Sooners’ coaching staff now features Ben Arbuckle, Mateer’s former offensive coordinator, and John Kuceyeski, his former quarterbacks coach—a connection that led many to predict Norman as his next destination. The familiarity and trust between Mateer and these coaches provide Oklahoma with a compelling pitch. Nakos even speculated that the Sooners were likely to land the dynamic quarterback due to these pre-existing relationships.
Despite Oklahoma’s apparent lead, Miami has positioned itself as a serious contender and is not backing down in the recruitment battle. The Hurricanes are building their case on recent quarterback development success, particularly the transformation of Mateer’s former Washington State teammate Cam Ward. After transferring to Miami, Ward thrived under offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson, becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist and leading Miami’s offense to new heights in 2024. Under Dawson’s guidance, the Hurricanes boasted the most productive offense in the country, averaging a staggering 538 yards per game, including 360 passing yards per contest—the highest mark nationally.
Miami’s pitch to Mateer highlights not only Dawson’s ability to maximize quarterback potential but also the overall infrastructure that facilitated Ward’s success. The Hurricanes’ offensive line stands out as a significant advantage. Last season, Miami’s front five was a consistent force, providing excellent protection and contributing to the team’s offensive dominance. In contrast, Oklahoma’s offensive line struggled throughout the year, ranking 131st in the country in sacks allowed—a glaring issue that hindered their quarterbacks and exposed their vulnerability in key games.
To address these concerns, Oklahoma made a strategic move by bringing in Arbuckle and Kuceyeski, who are expected to revamp the Sooners’ offensive schemes and quarterback play. While this move signals Oklahoma’s commitment to improving their offense, Miami’s proven ability to protect its signal-callers gives the Hurricanes a clear edge in this area. The assurance of a stable and reliable offensive line, paired with Dawson’s track record, makes Miami an enticing destination for a quarterback like Mateer, who is looking to build on his success.
The competition for Mateer reflects the growing importance of elite quarterback play in college football. Programs vying for championships increasingly depend on dynamic quarterbacks who can excel both as passers and runners—a role Mateer is well-equipped to fill. For Oklahoma, securing Mateer would not only solidify their offense but also reunite him with coaches who played a key role in his development. Arbuckle and Kuceyeski understand Mateer’s strengths and could tailor Oklahoma’s offense to suit his skill set, potentially replicating the success they shared at Washington State.
On the other hand, Miami sees Mateer as the ideal successor to Cam Ward, whose Heisman-caliber season elevated the program into the national spotlight. Losing Ward to the NFL creates a significant void for the Hurricanes, but landing Mateer would ensure a seamless transition and maintain the momentum of their high-powered offense. Mateer’s skill set aligns perfectly with Dawson’s offensive philosophy, which emphasizes explosive plays, versatility, and efficient quarterback play. With a proven offensive line and a strong supporting cast, Miami’s environment is designed to maximize Mateer’s potential and set him up for success.
For Miami fans, Mateer’s recruitment represents more than just landing a talented quarterback—it symbolizes the continuation of the program’s offensive resurgence. Following a standout season in 2024, the Hurricanes have positioned themselves as a premier destination for top-tier quarterbacks, thanks in large part to Shannon Dawson’s ability to elevate talent. Mateer’s arrival would solidify Miami’s status as an offensive powerhouse and allow them to remain competitive in the national title conversation.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s pursuit of Mateer underscores the program’s determination to reclaim its place among college football’s elite. The Sooners have faced challenges in recent years, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, where inconsistency at quarterback has limited their success. Bringing in Mateer would provide Oklahoma with a proven playmaker capable of elevating their offense to a championship level. The reunion with Arbuckle and Kuceyeski offers a level of familiarity that could help Mateer quickly adjust to his new surroundings and thrive in Oklahoma’s system.
As the competition between Miami and Oklahoma intensifies, the decision ultimately rests with Mateer. Both programs offer unique advantages and compelling reasons for him to commit. At Oklahoma, the opportunity to reunite with trusted coaches and play a central role in the Sooners’ offensive rebuild is undeniably appealing. At Miami, the chance to follow in Cam Ward’s footsteps, work under Shannon Dawson, and operate within one of the nation’s most explosive offenses presents an equally enticing opportunity.
Regardless of where Mateer chooses to play, his decision will have significant implications for both programs. For Miami, securing Mateer would keep their offense on track and maintain the momentum generated by Cam Ward’s stellar season. For Oklahoma, landing Mateer would signal a new era for the program and solidify their offense under Arbuckle and Kuceyeski’s leadership.
Mateer’s status as the top quarterback in the transfer portal ensures that the stakes are incredibly high. His ability to impact games both through the air and on the ground makes him a game-changing addition for any team fortunate enough to land him. As the race for Mateer’s commitment continues to unfold, both Miami and Oklahoma will pull out all the stops to secure the talented signal-caller.
In the end, Mateer’s decision will likely come down to the factors that matter most to him—whether it’s the trust and familiarity offered by Oklahoma or the proven offensive success and infrastructure showcased by Miami. Either way, Mateer’s presence will provide a significant boost to his new team, making him one of the most impactful transfers of the offseason.
