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John Mateer Heisman odds: Oklahoma QB sees major shift after performance vs. Michigan

Danby: Daniel Hager09/07/25DanielHagerOn3
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© BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Following John Mateer‘s strong performance in No. 18 Oklahoma‘s 24-13 win over No. 15 Michigan on Saturday night, the Sooners quarterback has skyrocketed up the boards to become one of the Heisman Trophy favorites according to BetMGM.

Over the span of just one game, Mateer has jumped from +1300 to +800. He now has BetMGM’s second-best odds to win the award, just behind LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier at +700.

Against the Wolverines Saturday night, Mateer completed 21/34 passes for 270 yards, one touchdown and one interception. On the ground, he led the Sooners in rushing with 74 yards and two more touchdowns.

“We’ve been excited for this game for a long time,” Mateer said postgame. “I’m proud of these guys. We beat them and didn’t play our best game because we had a bunch of turnovers and a bunch of things we need to clean up. But I’m so proud of my teammates.”

“I know that these fans have my back. These fans have all our backs. I threw a pick, but next time I go on the field they cheer me on. I appreciate that so much. Boomer.”

When asked about how dangerous his ability to run makes him, he explained that it keeps defensive coordinators on their toes. He has rushed for at least one touchdown in both of Oklahoma’s games this season (Illinois State and No. 15 Michigan).

Tim Tebow compared Mateer to Johnny Manziel on Friday

“It’s dangerous,” Mateer continued. “The run game is not good for defensive coordinators and they don’t like it. I’m glad coach (Offensive Coordinator Ben) Arbuckle trusted me with the ball in my hands. I’m proud of the O-line, running backs and tight ends for blocking it up.”

Through two games this season, the Washington State transfer has completed 51/71 passes for 662 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. He’s also rushed for 98 yards and three more scores.

“I think John Mateer is one of the twitchiest players in college football,” Florida legend Tim Tebow said on Friday’s edition of ‘The Paul Finebaum Show‘. “He reminds me a little bit, just a little bit – this is early – a tiny bit of the way that Johnny Manziel was really twitchy in the pocket, could make people miss.”

Just two games into his Oklahoma career, Mateer has a former Heisman winner (Tebow) comparing him to another former Heisman winner in Johnny Manziel. He’ll look to improve his odds even more in Oklahoma‘s third game of the season next Saturday against Temple.