​This summer we’ll be exploring the top 10 offensive and defensive players Mizzou football is slated to face this fall. We’re not ranking them 1-10, it’s much more scientific then that (or linguistic since we are just ordering them alphabetically.) We’re on the back half of the TTOP exercise for 2026 and we’re jumping off with Sooner looking to bounce back from injury. Before we jump into that, take a look at our previous TTOP here:Mario Craver and Leroy Harris IIIAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJaden Baugh and KJ BoldenTrinidad Chambliss and Peyton BowenCam Coleman and Will EcholesKewan Lacy and Kelley JonesArch Manning and Jelani McDonaldSchool: Oklahoma (by way of Washington State)Position: QBClass: RS SeniorHeight: 6-1Weight: 218 lbs.Hometown: Little Elm, TexasJohn Mateer arrived at Oklahoma after a standout 2024 season at Washington State, where he established himself as one of the nation’s premier dual-threat quarterbacks by throwing for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns while rushing for 826 yards and 15 more scores.The transition to Oklahoma started well as the 6-1, 218 lbs. quarterback from Little Elm, Texas, looked comfortable early in the season before suffering a hand injury that required mid-season surgery.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDespite missing one game and returning before he was fully healthy, Mateer still started all 12 of Oklahoma’s other contests and completed 247 of 397 passes for 2,885 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also rushed 149 times for 431 yards and a team-high eight rushing touchdowns.Before the injury, Mateer looked like the dynamic playmaker Oklahoma expected when it brought him to Norman. After injuring his throwing hand, however, the Sooners’ offense became stagnant for much of the remainder of the season, even after he returned from surgery.Mateer enters 2026 as one of the more fascinating quarterbacks in the country.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe biggest question surrounding his season has nothing to do with talent; it is whether last year’s struggles were primarily the result of an injured throwing hand or whether SEC defenses exposed limitations in his game that will continue this fall.There are reasons for Sooner optimism as Mateer has already proven he can be an explosive dual-threat quarterback, and another offseason in Norman should only improve his comfort level. If his hand is fully recovered, the arm strength and accuracy that made him so productive at Washington State could return as well.Regardless of how that question is answered, one trait has never been in doubt. Mateer is a fearless competitor and an outstanding athlete. His willingness to extend plays, absorb contact and lead from the front makes him one of the toughest quarterbacks in the conference to defend. If the healthy version of Mateer returns, Oklahoma’s offense could look dramatically different in 2026.Mateer gave Mizzou problems at times during last season’s meeting, but