John Mateer answers if making College Football Playoff is validation for going to Oklahoma

John Mateer transferred to Oklahoma ahead of the 2025 campaign after spending three seasons at Washington State. On Monday, Mateer revealed whether the Sooners’ College Football Playoff appearance has validated his decision to come to Norman or is simply a cherry-on-top.

“It’s definitely an added bonus. I think this has been the right place for a long time and I’m around the right people.” Mateer said. “Not everything has gone perfect and it never does, but I know I’m in the right spot because I have the right people around me who still have my back. And, that’s all that matters.”

Perfection hasn’t been necessary for the Sooners this season. The Sooners burst out of the starting gates with a 5-0 record, but suffered several setbacks midway through the season.

Most notably, Mateer underwent surgery on his right hand after suffering an injury in Oklahoma’s win over Auburn in Week 3. Mateer entered the game as a Heisman Trophy frontrunner.

However, the hype around Mateer quickly dissipated following his injury. Mateer didn’t allow the sudden quiet to discourage him. He fought back to compete in the Red River Rivalry game against Texas just 17 days after his surgery.

Alas, Mateer didn’t look like himself in the heated battle and Oklahoma fell 23-6; the Sooners’ first loss of the season. Mateer struggled to rediscover his rhythm and Oklahoma lost 34-26 to Ole Miss two weeks after the Red River Rivalry game.

Mateer pushed forward, ultimately helping Oklahoma finish the regular season on a four-game win streak and secure a spot in the CFP for the first time under head coach Brent Venables. The Sooners defeated four ranked foes in their late-season surge.

Mateer was largely responsible for the team’s success. Now, he’s looking to seize the Sooners’ opportunity and carry his momentum into the postseason.

“This is a dream come true,” Mateer said on Monday. “This is everything I could ever ask for as a kid. I kind of told myself that a year ago. Prayed for this opportunity. I hoped for it, I worked for it, and I’m glad it’s here. I’m not going to take it for granted. I haven’t taken the work for granted, the preparation—it’s awesome.”

On Friday, John Mateer and the Sooners will square off against Alabama in the first round of the CFP at 7 p.m. CT. The game will air live on ABC and ESPN. Oklahoma defeated the Crimson Tide 23-21 when the pair met on Nov. 15.