​Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer enters the 2026 season facing a pivotal year for both his development and the program’s championship aspirations. Mateer was one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal following a breakout 2024 season for the Washington State Cougars.Mateer threw for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, while rushing for 826 yards and 15 touchdowns. He decided to enter the transfer portal after his offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, left to take the same position at Oklahoma. The Sooners were the early favorites, for good reason, and ultimately landed his commitment; however, things didn’t go as smoothly as both would have hoped.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMateer threw for 2,885 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, while rushing for 431 yards and eight scores in an injury-riddled season. While the statistics were not what many expected, there were still plenty of positive signs. Mateer showed flashes of brilliance in the four games before his injury. He also led Oklahoma to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2019, despite playing with an injury.Because of his late-season statistical struggles, some have lowered their expectations for the quarterback who entered Norman with significant hype. One person who remains high on Mateer is “That SEC Podcast” host Michael “SEC Mike” Bratton, who ranked him among the top five quarterbacks in the SEC.”No. 4, a little bit of a leap of faith, a little bit, I think I’m higher on this guy than just about anybody until that Manning Passing Academy and those guns came out, then everybody was back on,” Bratton said. “Give me John Mateer, Oklahoma. Statistically, he wasn’t really that good last year, statistically by the end of the year. I’m not saying he will be this year… I think he’ll be a lot better this year with more help on the outside.”Mateer’s 2026 season will likely determine how far Oklahoma can go in its third year competing in the SEC. The talent that made him one of the top portal quarterbacks is still there, and with a stronger supporting cast around him, the Sooners are hoping he can return to the level he showed at Washington State.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIf Mateer can put together a consistent season, he has the opportunity to silence the doubters and establish himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the conference.1 / 35Sep 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) reacts against the Temple Owls in the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images(Kyle Ross, Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on X @jaronspor.This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Where does John Mateer rank in latest SEC QB rankings?