John Mateer among CFB QBs facing the most pressure this year

Oklahoma Sooners starting quarterback John Mateer is putting in plenty of work this offseason to improve from an up-and-down first season at OU in 2025. With the Sooners looking to make strides as an offense again in 2026, some believe that's he's under more pressure to perform this year. Athlon Sports' Steve Lassan ranked his top 10 college football quarterbacks who are facing the most pressure in 2026, and Mateer made the list.

Lassan thinks the redshirt senior has to lead a more productive offensive attack for Oklahoma this season. "Mateer’s transfer to Oklahoma from Washington State was one of the most intriguing quarterback storylines of the ‘25 season. The Texas native started the year on a high note with three touchdown passes against Illinois State, guided the Sooners to a win over Michigan and threw for 271 yards and a touchdown to beat Auburn in the SEC opener.

However, a thumb injury in that game forced Mateer to miss one contest (Kent State) and hindered his play for the remainder of the ‘25 campaign. Mateer’s overall numbers were solid (2,885 yards and 14 touchdowns and 431 yards and eight scores). But is there another level he can reach in ‘26 with better health and another year to develop under coordinator Ben Arbuckle?

For Oklahoma to reach the College Football Playoff once again, Mateer and the offense has to be more productive. " - Steve Lassan, Athlon Sports. Fortunately for Mateer and the Sooners, he won't be alone in his quest to improve this year.