Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer has shaken up the college football world by reportedly turning down a massive NIL offer—believed to be in the range of \$4.5 million—in order to remain with the Sooners. In an era where elite talent is often lured away by eye-popping deals from top programs, Mateer’s decision stands out as a rare show of loyalty and belief in a program’s vision over personal financial gain. While the specifics of the NIL offers he received remain confidential, industry insiders and national outlets agree: Mateer was one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal, and he could have commanded nearly any figure he wanted. Yet, instead of chasing the biggest payday, he chose to stay in Norman and continue building something meaningful with a program and coaching staff that has placed its full trust in him.
Mateer’s rise to prominence began during a breakout 2024 season with Washington State, where he established himself as one of the nation’s most electrifying dual-threat quarterbacks. Throwing for over 3,100 yards and 29 touchdowns, while adding more than 800 yards and 15 scores on the ground, he accounted for a staggering 44 total touchdowns, putting him among the nation’s leaders in total offensive production. Under offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, Washington State’s offense transformed from an afterthought into a juggernaut. Arbuckle’s uptempo system played perfectly to Mateer’s strengths, allowing him to showcase not only his athleticism but also his decision-making and leadership.
When Arbuckle accepted the offensive coordinator job at Oklahoma, speculation immediately began that Mateer might follow. That speculation proved correct. Once Mateer officially entered the portal, Oklahoma was the first school he visited and the last one he needed to. The relationship he had built with Arbuckle, combined with the opportunity to lead a program with Oklahoma’s history and resources, made the Sooners an ideal fit. Despite heavy interest from other top-tier programs, including those from the SEC and Big Ten, Mateer shut down his recruitment after committing to OU.
NIL opportunities quickly followed. Industry sources pegged his valuation at roughly \$2 million when he arrived in Norman, and some estimates have since placed it closer to \$2.7 million entering the 2025 season. That valuation made him one of the top ten NIL earners in college football and the highest among Big 12 (soon-to-be-SEC) quarterbacks. Multiple collectives, including those at SEC powerhouses, reportedly approached Mateer with larger offers—some even approaching or exceeding \$4.5 million, according to rumors circulating through agents, boosters, and recruiting insiders. Yet Mateer stayed the course. For him, the decision wasn’t strictly about money.
While Mateer has yet to publicly confirm any specific offer amounts or name the schools involved, the implications of his decision are clear. He values continuity, coaching trust, and the opportunity to be the face of a program over the allure of an even larger paycheck. It’s not that money doesn’t matter—he’s already secured a life-changing NIL package by staying at Oklahoma—but it’s not his only metric of success. He reportedly told teammates and staff that he was “all in” on Oklahoma from the moment he arrived and wasn’t interested in shopping himself around like a free agent. That mindset resonated deeply within the locker room and among coaches, especially in a time when player movement has reached historic levels.
The decision becomes even more compelling when considering Oklahoma’s current situation. The Sooners are entering their inaugural season in the SEC, facing one of the toughest schedules in the country. Last season was rocky, with the offense struggling to find rhythm and consistency under a rotating cast of quarterbacks. With Jackson Arnold transferring and other QBs either graduating or failing to grab the reins, the path was wide open for a leader to emerge. Mateer seized that moment, and within days of his arrival in Norman, he was already being treated like the program’s cornerstone. Reports from spring practices and player interviews consistently highlighted his command of the huddle, his familiarity with Arbuckle’s system, and the energy he brought to the field.
His leadership extends off the field as well. In recent months, Mateer has partnered with several local businesses for NIL opportunities, focusing on brands rooted in Oklahoma. Rather than chasing national endorsements, he’s made clear that his brand and image are tied closely to the community he now represents. It’s a savvy move—one that endears him to fans and helps build a long-term reputation that could serve him well beyond college football. It also reinforces the idea that he’s committed not just to the team but to the culture and city around it.
In a broader sense, Mateer’s decision could mark a turning point in how top-tier athletes view the balance between NIL earnings and personal development. While the media has focused heavily on players chasing the largest checks—and understandably so, given the transformative financial opportunities—the reality is more nuanced. For players like Mateer, the chance to be a starting quarterback at a premier program, working under a familiar and trusted offensive coordinator, in an environment where he is valued and empowered, holds more weight than simply stacking dollar signs. His case shows that NIL money, while crucial, doesn’t have to overshadow every other factor in a player’s decision-making process.
Coaches across the country have taken notice. Several anonymous SEC and Big Ten coordinators have reportedly praised Mateer’s maturity and discipline in media conversations, noting that it’s rare to see a player of his caliber bypass bigger money offers to stick with a school based on principle and trust. One coach remarked that “Mateer is the kind of guy you want leading your program—he’s a culture changer, not just a playmaker.”
This storyline also plays well with fans. Oklahoma supporters have rallied around Mateer, not just because of his talent, but because of what he represents: loyalty, toughness, and commitment in an era that often feels transactional. The buzz surrounding his debut season with the Sooners is palpable. With expectations sky-high, the pressure will be immense, but those who know Mateer best believe he’s built for it. His journey from underrecruited high school prospect to one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in college football is a testament to his work ethic and resilience.
In the end, John Mateer’s decision to turn down a larger NIL offer—reportedly in the realm of \$4.5 million—to remain with Oklahoma might just be the most powerful message sent this offseason. Not because of the money involved, but because of the priorities it reveals. As the sport continues to evolve, and as players are given more freedom and financial leverage than ever before, Mateer has shown that it’s still possible to choose loyalty over leverage, relationships over riches, and belief over the bottom line. And in doing so, he’s not only solidified his place as the face of Oklahoma football—he’s become one of the most respected players in the country.
