John Mateer, the dual‑threat quarterback who electrified college football with his breakout season at Washington State, shook up the landscape again—this time in a move no one saw coming. In a stunning turn of events, the Oklahoma Sooners’ new signal‑caller declined a jaw‑dropping $4.5 million Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) offer from the University of Georgia. By opting instead to stay in Norman and take on the mantle as the heir apparent to legendary starter Carson Beck, Mateer rewrote expectation after expectation in the sport.
Premise: What We Thought We Knew
By all accounts, Georgia was aggressively pursuing Mateer in their search for a quarterback to succeed Carson Beck—a revered SEC veteran preparing to move on. Reports indicated the NIL framework would be monumental: $4.5 million spread over multiple years with endorsement rights and exclusive marketing partnerships. For a young athlete like Mateer, such an offer was unheard of and showcased how NIL is transforming the recruitment and transfer game. The betting line seemed obvious: take the SEC, the elite conference, the hefty piggy bank—it was a no‑brainer.
But then came the bombshell. Mateer made headlines not for accepting—or even considering—but for quietly rejecting the offer, choosing instead to commit fully to Oklahoma. The Sooners, fresh off a disappointing 6–6 season, had already signaled a rebuild by bringing in Ben Arbuckle from Washington State to overhaul their offense. With this pivotal decision, Mateer effectively cast his lot with Oklahoma and its fans, turning whispers of a Georgia flirtation into a full‑blown showdown for the hearts and minds of the college football world.
Why Mateer Said No
It’s tempting to chalk this up to a higher financial gain or the prestige of playing in the teeth of SEC competition. But Mateer’s decision runs deeper.
Arbuckle—his former offensive coordinator at Washington State—had just landed in Norman. Under Arbuckle’s system, Mateer thrived, posting 3,139 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, while also carving up defenses for 826 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. It was no secret that Oklahoma would be game‑planning around him. In contrast, Georgia would have required a learning curve and adaptation to a different offensive structure. Mateer likely weighed the continuity and comfort of working with Arbuckle again—and chose familiarity over uncertainty .
Sooners fans boast about names like Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts—all Heisman winners who set the standard. Now, Oklahoma put their faith—and a record‑breaking multi‑year NIL deal—on Mateer. That kind of investment doesn’t happen for backup plans. Unlike Georgia, where Mateer might have had to wait or compete, Norman offered him the throne immediately. The psychological appeal of leading a storied program couldn’t be understate
It’s not just about the money; it’s also about ecosystem. Oklahoma’s NIL Collective, 1Oklahoma, crafted the multi‑year deal that secured Mateer’s loyalty . That kind of long‑term backing, crossing seasons and branding eras, signals faith. Mateer not only gets financial security, but a chance to build a brand around his image, community outreach, and on‑field performance—on his terms and at his pace. Meanwhile, Georgia’s alleged $4.5 M might not have included that same structured, player‑centric approach.
Admittedly, the SEC’s spotlight is brighter. But Oklahoma is no small stage. With a national fanbase and powerhouse legacy, the Sooners offered Mateer plenty of spotlight, fourth‑quarter endings, and Heisman discussion. Plus, the program was on the rebound. With a signature QB move, they looked to reclaim dominance. Guaranteed starting job + full system familiarity + NIL backup = a recipe for instant stardom; a tough offer to pass up.
