John Mateer defends his trash talking on the field in practice, games

John Mateer might not look like it, but he’s a bit of a trash talker. The Oklahoma starting quarterback admitted it’s not out of animosity toward any of his teammates.

Instead, he’s trying to motivate his teammates to play with an edge. Even if it’s in the summer heat.

“I know from playing football, it gets people going a little bit,” Mateer told reporters after fall camp practice on Monday. “And that’s what you need on this field. Like, this (is) practice four, and it’s great, but come here soon it’s gonna be, ‘Damn, this practice is hot,’ this and that, so you can get everybody going a little bit more. And that comes from me.

“I’m the quarterback, I’m the leader, so I’ve got to do it. I love doing it — if you talk a little trash, you’ll get the best out of everybody.”

Mateer’s status as the leader of the team comes without him ever playing a down of football for the Sooners. The 2025 season will be Mateer’s first with the program after transferring in from Washington State alongside new Sooners offensive coordinator and QB coach Ben Arbuckle earlier this offseason. The two are expected to lead the offense to greater heights than what they saw in 2024.

Mateer already had a strong reputation coming in given the success he enjoyed at Washington State. He finished the 2024 season having thrown for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

He also showcased his dual-threat abilities during his time with the Cougars. On top of his passing numbers, Mateer scored an additional 15 touchdowns on the ground to go along with 826 rushing yards. He was even Washington State’s leading rusher last season.

However, Mateer will have his hands full during his first season with the Sooners. It goes without saying, it’s the toughest slate Mateer has seen during his college tenure.

OU’s schedule also features key matchups such as home games against Michigan, Auburn, Ole Miss and LSU. On the road they’ll face the likes of South Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama. Of course, the Red River Rivalry looms over both the Oklahoma and Texas football programs.

First, the Sooners will kick their season off against Illinois State in what is expected to be a tune up match for the Sooners. That game is set for Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. ET and will air live on ESPN+.