John Mateer recalls his experience facing Jackson Arnold

John Mateer will welcome Jackson Arnold back to Oklahoma this weekend. The Sooners will face Auburn in their first SEC test of the 2025 season.

It’s a highly anticipated showdown, but it’s not the first time these two quarterbacks have faced off. They actually played back in high school, with Arnold’s team getting the best of Mateer and company.

Oklahoma is hoping for a much different result this time around. Mateer recalled that game while evaluating the matchup as a whole during some time with the media earlier this week.

“I remember they beat me pretty bad,” Mateer stated. “It wasn’t my most fun game, you know, but he’s had a good year. I mean, I’ve really only watched him against Baylor in the first game of the year, and he played well. You know, he’s making strides and taking coaching, and I’m excited for him.”

Of course, both quarterbacks will be endlessly compared. Mateer currently has passed for 944 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions, while rushing for 161 yards and four touchdowns. Arnold has led Auburn to three wins, amassing 501 yards passing, four touchdowns and no picks, while rushing for 192 yards and four touchdowns as well.

Whichever quarterback gets the best of one another will have their team in a tremendous spot within the SEC. It can’t be understated how big this game is for both teams, and it’s anyone’s guess who will stand tall when the final whistle blows in Week 4.

More on Jackson Arnold, return to Norman

Moreover, plenty of Arnold’s former teammates, offensively and defensively, are still with Oklahoma and ready to go up against him. One of those is running back Jovantae Barnes.

While the duo will not share the field at the same time, Barnes admits it’s going to be “crazy” seeing Arnold in another uniform. Maybe not what he expected when the two committed to the Sooners in the same recruiting class.

“It’s going to be pretty crazy,” Barnes said via George Stoia of Sooner Scoop. “We were in a backfield together, we were here for two years together. I’m proud of him and where he’s at right now and it’s going to be pretty fun.”

Alas, Arnold faced plenty of criticism for the shortcomings, especially early in the year. Barnes continued to defend his former teammate, believing the quarterback did a great job handling the entire situation.

“People are going to have some things to say about you,” Barnes said. “But I think he did a great job with just being him and being who he is and what he’s good at. Like I said, I’m proud of where he’s at and what he’s doing. So, I’m looking forward to playing against him and seeing him after the game.”

— On3’s Griffin McVeigh contributed to this article.