Breakdown of the Oklahoma Sooners Quarterback Depth Chart: Who Supports John Mateer?

As the Oklahoma Sooners gear up for the upcoming season, much attention is focused on the quarterback position—arguably the most critical role in any college football program. After years of producing elite passers like Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield, and Spencer Rattler, the Sooners have named John Mateer as their starting quarterback for the season. But a successful campaign is rarely won by a single player. Supporting Mateer is a talented and intriguing quarterback room, loaded with athletes who bring diverse skill sets, experience, and potential to the table.

This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the Oklahoma Sooners quarterback depth chart beyond Mateer, examining the key players who will provide support, competition, and depth throughout the season. Understanding these players’ backgrounds, playing styles, and roles will illuminate how the Sooners aim to keep their quarterback position stable and competitive.

Before diving into who supports Mateer, it’s essential to understand why he is the starting QB and what he brings to the Sooners.

Background and Profile

John Mateer emerged as the Sooners’ starting quarterback after an impressive offseason and spring camp. Originally a recruit with moderate national attention, Mateer’s development in the Oklahoma system has been notable. He is a dual-threat quarterback with solid arm strength, accuracy, and the ability to extend plays with his legs.

Playing Style

Mateer excels in a pro-style offense that emphasizes a balanced attack. His pocket presence is improving, and he is adept at making quick decisions, which suits Oklahoma’s blend of power running and vertical passing. His mobility is a significant asset, making him a threat on designed runs and scrambles.

Leadership Role

Beyond stats, Mateer has grown into a vocal leader on and off the field, earning respect from teammates and coaches. As the starting QB, his ability to manage games and rally the offense will be pivotal.

2. The Primary Backup: Chris Smith

Supporting Mateer at quarterback is Chris Smith, who is widely regarded as the most experienced backup and a potential future starter.

Background

Chris Smith transferred to Oklahoma after two seasons at a junior college and one season at another FBS program. He is an experienced passer with a strong collegiate resume and a mature understanding of the game.

Skill Set

Smith is a prototypical pocket passer with good arm strength and touch on intermediate and deep routes. While not as mobile as Mateer, he is capable of avoiding pressure with his footwork and extending plays with his athleticism.

Role on the Team

Smith’s primary role is to be the trusted backup who can step in seamlessly if Mateer goes down. His experience makes him the ideal mentor for younger QBs and a stabilizing presence in practice. He also competes aggressively in camp to keep Mateer sharp.

Potential for Playing Time

Unless injury strikes or a blowout game scenario occurs, Smith’s playing time during the season will likely be limited. However, he will be heavily involved in game preparation and situational drills.

3. The Rising Talent: Jake Henderson

A true freshman or redshirt freshman, Jake Henderson represents the future of the Sooners’ quarterback room.

Recruiting Profile

Henderson came in as a highly touted recruit, noted for his athleticism and strong arm. His high school tape showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in improvisational plays and deep throws.

Strengths and Weaknesses

While Henderson’s arm talent is clear, his decision-making and timing require refinement. He is still adjusting to the speed of the college game but shows great potential as a dual-threat QB who can stretch defenses horizontally and vertically.

Role on the Depth Chart

Henderson is the developmental QB, learning from the veterans and absorbing the offensive system. He will likely see limited action this season but could be used in packages designed to exploit his mobility.

Long-Term Outlook

If he continues to improve, Henderson could push for the starting role in coming seasons, making him a key piece of Oklahoma’s future plans.

4. The Wildcard: Cameron Riley

Cameron Riley is a versatile player who brings an unpredictable element to the quarterback room.

Background

Riley joined Oklahoma as a walk-on and has worked his way up through sheer determination. Though less heralded, his athleticism and football IQ have caught coaches’ eyes.

Playing Style

Riley’s skill set leans toward a run-first quarterback with decent passing ability. His strengths include agility, quickness, and an ability to read defenses on the move. He excels in read-option and zone-read schemes.

Role

While Riley may not be the primary backup, he could be utilized in special packages or specific game situations to keep defenses off balance. His presence adds depth and creative options for offensive coordinators.

5. Other Quarterbacks on the Roster

The Sooners also carry a few more QBs who provide depth and competition during practice.

• Michael Evans: A redshirt sophomore known for his strong arm and potential as a deep passer. Evans is still refining his consistency.
• Tyler Ford: A young quarterback with limited experience but strong leadership qualities.
• Walk-ons or freshmen: Several lesser-known QBs round out the roster, primarily there to provide practice reps and develop over time.

These players might not see game action soon but are vital for keeping the QB room competitive and ready for any emergency.

How the Supporting QBs Impact Oklahoma’s Season

The strength of a quarterback room is often underrated. While John Mateer is the focal point, the supporting QBs serve crucial functions:

• Push Mateer in practice: The presence of capable backups like Smith and Henderson forces Mateer to improve continually.
• Insurance against injury: Football is unpredictable, and having reliable backups is essential.
• Specialized packages: Players like Riley allow the offense to diversify play-calling.
• Development for the future: The younger QBs ensure the program remains strong in the coming years.

Scheme Fit and Coaching Influence

The Sooners operate an offense that values versatility and tempo. Head coach and offensive coordinator roles emphasize a quarterback-friendly system that can adapt to each QB’s strengths.

• John Mateer fits the mold of a balanced passer who can manage the offense.
• Chris Smith’s pocket passing complements Mateer’s mobility.
• Henderson and Riley provide dynamic options for designed quarterback runs or gadget plays.

The coaching staff’s ability to tailor the offense based on who is on the field maximizes each QB’s impact.

While John Mateer carries the load as Oklahoma’s starting quarterback, he is well supported by a talented and diverse quarterback room. Chris Smith provides experience and stability, Jake Henderson offers exciting potential, and Cameron Riley brings versatility. The depth chart’s blend of skill sets, experience, and athleticism ensures the Sooners are well-equipped to handle the challenges of the season.

By fostering competition and development among these quarterbacks, Oklahoma sets itself up not only for immediate success but for sustained excellence at the position. Understanding the depth behind Mateer paints a clearer picture of the Sooners’ strategy for quarterback play — a balance of present readiness and future promise.

If you want, I can also add stats, individual game breakdowns, or player comparisons to other programs’ QBs for a more detailed look! Would you like me to expand on any section?