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OU Football Watch List Tracker: John Mateer, Jaydn Ott lead the way

Eddie On3by: Eddie Radosevich07/28/25
John Mateer9
OU quarterback John Mateer. (Sarah Phipps - Imagn Images)

With the media days experience in the rearview mirror, the next indicator of a new season is the annual release of preseason watch lists for various national awards across the college football landscape and where OU stands. 

On Monday, it began with the announcement of the Maxwell Award watch list, including redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer and senior running back Jaydn Ott. The Maxwell Award is presented annually to the top college football player by the Maxwell Football Club. 

The duo arrives in Norman as premier portal hauls for the Sooners and first-year offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.

Mateer led the country with 44 touchdowns last season at Washington State, throwing for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns with 15 more via the ground.

Ott lands in the crimson and cream after transferring from Cal where he starred the past three seasons, including a 2023 campaign in which he rushed for 1,315 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning first team All-Pac 12 honors by the league’s coaches and media. Ott was limited in 2024 while battling injury but is expected to be an explosive addition in the Sooners backfield. 

Oklahoma players report on Wednesday with the first preseason practice on Thursday.

Maxwell Award (outstanding player) 

QB John Mateer

RB Jaydn Ott 

Former winners: Jason White (2004), Baker Mayfield (2017), Tommy McDonald (1956)

Bronko Nagurski Trophy (defensive player of the year)

Watch list announced Tuesday, July 29

Former winners: Roy Williams (2001), Derrick Strait (2003) 

Outland Trophy (best interior lineman) 

Watch list announced Tuesday, July 29 

Former winners: Jammal Brown (2004), Greg Roberts (1978), Lee Roy Selmon (1975), J.D. Roberts (1953), Jim Weatherall (1951)  

Butkus Award (top linebacker) 

Watch list announced Wednesday, July 30

Former winners: Rocky Calmus (2001), Teddy Lehman (2003), Brian Bosworth (1985, 1986)

Paycom Jim Thorpe Award (best defensive back) 

Watch list announced Wednesday, July 30 

Former winners: Roy Williams (2001), Derrick Strait (2003), Rickey Dixon (1987) 

Allstate Wuerffel Trophy (community service) 

Watch list announced Thursday, July 31 

Former winners: Gabe Ikard (2013), Ty Darlington (2015) 

Paul Hornung Award (most versatile player) 

Watch list announced Thursday, July 3

Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award

Watch list announced Friday, Aug. 1

Ray Guy Award (top punter) 

Watch list announced Friday, Aug. 1

Walter Camp Player of the Year 

Watch list announced Monday, Aug. 4

Former winners: Josh Heupel (2000) 

Doak Walker Award (top running back) 

Watch list announced Tuesday, Aug. 5

Biltenikoff Award (top receiver) 

Watch list announced Wednesday, Aug. 6

Former winners: Dede Westbrook (2016) 

Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award 

Watch list announced Thursday, Aug. 7

Former winners: Billy Simms (1978), Jason White (2003, 2004), Sam Bradford (2008), Baker Mayfield (2017), Kyler Murray (2018) 

John Mackey Award (outstanding tight end) 

Watch list announced Friday, Aug. 8

Former winners: Mark Andrews (2017)

Rimington Award (top offensive center) 

Watch list announced Friday, Aug. 8

Chuck Bednarik Award (outstanding defensive player) 

Watch list announced Monday, Aug. 11

Former winners: Teddy Lehman (2003) 

Lombardi Award (outstanding lineman) 

Watch list announced in August 

Former winners: Tommie Harris (2003), Tony Casillas (1985), Lee Roy Selmon (1975)

Walter Camp Award 

Watch list announced in August

Former winners: Baker Mayfield (2017), Josh Heupel (2000), Billy Simms (1978), Steve Owens (1969), Jerry Tubbs (1956)

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