Heir Apparent: John Mateer 'honored' by Baker Mayfield comparisons

A decade after Baker Mayfield arrived at Oklahoma from Texas Tech, the Sooners are hoping history will repeat itself. The comparisons continue to roll in for former Washington State quarterback John Mateer as fans see bits of the Heisman Trophy winner in his game.

Last year at Wazzu, Mateer showed his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs. He threw for 3,139 yards and 39 touchdowns while adding 826 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, cementing himself as a dual-threat.

While Mayfield didn’t necessarily have the same amount of rushing yards – his career-high was 405 in 2015 – his ability to elude opposing defenses helped him become a No. 1 pick. As a result, the comparisons continue around Mateer and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback. But the highly rated transfer said he’s not looking at it as a bad thing. In fact, he sees a chance to chase that level of greatness.

“It’s an honor to be compared to him,” Mateer told reporters at SEC Media Days. “You talk about Oklahoma, everybody loves Baker Mayfield – which is great and deservedly so. He’s done a lot for this university. It’s an honor to be compared to him.

“I wouldn’t say I’m exactly like him, but it’s definitely cool to be [thought of in] such a high status. I don’t think of it as pressure, though – I just see it as an opportunity.”

More on John Mateer’s decision to land at Oklahoma

As John Mateer prepares for his debut season in Norman, he’ll do so knowing the offense. Ben Arbuckle served as Washington State’s offensive coordinator last year and is working in the same capacity at Oklahoma this year. As a result, they have a chance to pick up where they left off on The Palouse last season.

Mateer generated plenty of buzz once he officially entered the transfer portal. He arrives at Oklahoma as the No. 3 overall transfer this cycle, according to the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings, trailing only Carson Beck and Nico Iamaleava.

In fact, during the recruiting process, Mayfield reportedly played a key role in securing Mateer’s commitment to the Sooners. His arrival comes ahead of a crucial year for Brent Venables and Co. amid major staff shakeups. In addition to Arbuckle’s hiring as offensive coordinator, Venables is taking back defensive play-calling as he attempts to turn things around following last year’s 6-7 record.

Alex Byington contributed.