Nov 30, 2024; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback John Mateer (10) walks off the field after a game against the Wyoming Cowboys at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Washington State Cougars won 15-14. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images

Former Wazzu QB John Mateer transferring to Oklahoma

Former Washington State standout John Mateer, one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the country, is transferring to Oklahoma, he announced Wednesday evening on social media.

Widely considered the best player available when he entered the transfer portal on Monday, Mateer is following former Cougars offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, who was hired by Oklahoma earlier this month, as well as quarterbacks coach John Kuceyeski, who is expected to join him.

The Sooners, who lost starting QB Jackson Arnold to Auburn through the transfer portal, were regarded as the front-runners for Mateer. Miami, where former Washington State QB Cam Ward starred this season, became a Heisman Trophy finalist and is entering the NFL Draft, also was considered a potential landing spot.

Mateer, who waited behind Ward at Washington State for two years, is a redshirt sophomore with two seasons of eligibility remaining. He led the FBS in total touchdowns (44) in his first season as a starter in 2024, compiling 3,139 yards with 29 touchdown passes and seven interceptions and rushing for 826 yards with 15 scores in 12 games.

Washington State head coach Jake Dickert left his job to become Wake Forest’s head coach on Wednesday.

–Field Level Media

Nov 23, 2024; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback John Mateer (10) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

Washington State QB John Mateer enters portal with high interest

Washington State quarterback John Mateer entered the transfer portal on Monday and is widely considered the best player available at the time of his decision.

“John will be the most sought-after player in the portal. I think he’s gonna be the best player in the country next year. He informed us he is in fact going to hit the portal,” Washington State coach Jake Dickert said Monday.

Mateer led the FBS in total touchdowns (44) in his first season as a starter in 2024, compiling 3,139 yards with 29 touchdown passes and seven interceptions and rushing for 826 yards with 15 scores.

Mateer, who transfers with two years eligibility remaining, stepped into the starting spot when Cam Ward opted to transfer to Miami, where he became a Heisman Trophy finalist this season.

Washington State was the only Division I offer Mateer received coming out of Little Elm, Texas, but Ward said his talent was abundantly clear from the time he hit campus.

“I’m excited for him,” Ward said before the Heisman ceremony of Mateer. “He sat behind me for two years and me and John (were) just locked in, locked in for life. And I can just tell the biggest thing he got better at over the course of the season was staying in the pocket and winning from the pocket even more down the stretch. He’s accurate with the football. I think he’ll end up being one of the best quarterbacks in the country next year.”

–Field Level Media