Oklahoma · SECVenables backs Mateer as Oklahoma prepares for Texas
Mateer has thrown eight touchdowns and four interceptions, with all four picks and eight sacks coming in his last three games.
OCT 7, 2026
Interceptions in Mateer's last three games
Sacks in Mateer's last three games
Oklahoma's loss at Georgia
01 · The NewsVenables Backs Mateer
After Oklahoma opened 2-2, Brent Venables said John Mateer remains the Sooners’ top quarterback ahead of the Oct. 10 Red River Rivalry game against No. 1 Texas.
Mateer acknowledged his performance has not met expectations.
“The fact that I haven't performed is disappointing. But, I'm blessed to play ball today and get better. It's a kid's game that we all take really seriously, and I'm honored to stand here in this position. I come out to practice today knowing it's everything I've ever dreamed of. Even when you struggle and get judged, it's because I've done well in the past, and something is expected of me. That's okay. This is the position I'm in, and I'm learning,” Mateer said.
Mateer has completed 72 of 109 passes for eight touchdowns and four interceptions this season. All four interceptions and all eight sacks have come in his last three games, including Oklahoma’s 41-13 loss at Georgia on Sept. 26.
The quarterback has offered little support on the ground, rushing for 76 yards without a touchdown. He has not thrown for 300 yards in a game or rushed for more than 50 yards in one. David Pollack said Mateer’s tendency to hold the ball and Oklahoma’s struggling run game have left the quarterback with too little help.
Josh Pate’s preseason bracket put Texas in the playoff field, giving the Longhorns a favorable matchup as they try to protect that path. Oklahoma has not announced an offensive scheme or personnel change, and Venables’ statement that Mateer remains the top quarterback does not by itself guarantee a start.
For Oklahoma, the decision is clear enough: Mateer remains the quarterback at the center of the season’s biggest game so far. The Sooners now have to keep Texas from turning his recent mistakes into the story of the rivalry.
02 · The StakesWhat It Puts at Stake
That recent collapse now meets an undefeated opponent. Texas is 4-0, and the Longhorns will visit Oklahoma at 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, Oct. 10. Oklahoma’s choice to stay with Mateer puts its ability to protect him — and stay competitive in the rivalry after losses to Michigan and Georgia — at the center of the matchup.
03 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
Can Mateer stop the giveaways?
The tell is whether he avoids another interception-heavy stretch after all four of his interceptions came in the last three games.
Can Oklahoma give him help?
Watch the run game and protection: Mateer has 76 rushing yards, while all eight of his sacks have come in the last three games.