Finally, the seismic development that always seemed likely – if not inevitable – has come to fruition.

Sources tell OUInsider about the Washington State quarterback John Mateer has informed head coach Jake Dickert of his intention to transfer from the program. When Mateer’s portal listing becomes official, it is expected to include a no-contact tag, OUInsider members were previously informed.

So all signs point to Norman for Mateer, a native of the Dallas-Fort Worth area whose name has long been linked to Oklahoma in the rumor mill. Buzz began advocating for him to follow his former offensive coordinator a few weeks ago Ben Arbuckle to Norman. Arbuckle, a 29-year-old coaching prodigy who spent the past two seasons as Washington State’s offensive coordinator, accepted the vacant OC position at Oklahoma in early December.

Naturally, the Oklahoma fanbase’s collective focus shifted to Mateer when Arbuckle was confirmed as the OC hire. The 6-foot-1, 219-pound redshirt sophomore threw for 3,139 yards, rushed for 826 and led the FBS in total touchdowns (44) during the 2024 season. It was his first year as an FBS starter as he took over following Cam Ward’s decision to move to Miami.

Mateer, a former two-star recruit from Little Elm HS in Little Elm, Texas, has two years of eligibility remaining. If he does end up at Oklahoma, he would be in competition with rising sophomores Michael Hawkins for the entry-level job. Hawkins made three starts as a true freshman in 2024 and will start in the Sooners’ bowl game with Navy on Dec. 27.

It had become clear in recent days that the program was preparing to add an experienced quarterback to the room, particularly as the incumbent starter Jackson Arnold elected to transfer to Auburn and the freshman project Brendan Zurbrugg also hit the portal. But after practice Friday, Hawkins reiterated his desire to stay in Norman and compete with whoever the Sooners brought with them, be it Mateer or someone else.

“I love competition,” Hawkins said. “I feel like it should be like this. I don’t think it should be any different. So for me it’s all about the competition. I think we need another man here. I’m ready… I’m going to be in Oklahoma. Here I want to play at Oklahoma, be the quarterback at Oklahoma.

Assuming Mateer ends up with the Sooners as expected, he and Hawkins will be joined in the QB room by the new rookie Jett Niua three-star prospect who transferred from Oklahoma State to Oklahoma on signing day, December 4th.

It is not yet clear when Mateer’s name will officially appear in the transfer portal. The hope of the Sooner faithful is that a signing of the prized quarterback will trigger an avalanche as Oklahoma needs reinforcements at multiple positions. So far, the program’s only new addition through the portal is a former Kennesaw State player Jacob Ulrich.

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