In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, Washington State quarterback John Mateer has informed the Cougars of his intention to enter the transfer portal. The redshirt sophomore, fresh off a breakout 2024 campaign, is poised to become the most coveted player in the portal when he officially enters.
A Rising Star’s Shocking Decision
Mateer’s decision comes as a surprise to many, given his stellar performance last season. The 6-foot-1, 219-pound quarterback from Little Elm, Texas, threw for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns while completing 65% of his passes. He also proved to be a dual-threat, rushing for 827 yards and 15 scores, ranking sixth among FBS starters in rushing yards.
Under Mateer’s leadership, the Cougars roared to an 8-1 start and a No. 18 ranking from the College Football Playoff committee. However, the team stumbled down the stretch, losing their final three games to finish 8-4.
A New Era of College Football
Mateer’s impending transfer comes at a pivotal moment in college football history. With the approval of the $2.8 billion NCAA antitrust settlement, schools will soon be able to directly pay student-athletes, ushering in a new era of player empowerment and compensation.
According to sources close to the situation, Washington State coach Jake Dickert and school leadership had been working diligently to negotiate a deal with Mateer to secure his return for the 2025 season. The proposed package was described as “fair” by Dickert, who emphasized the love and value Mateer had found at Washington State.
“We’ve done an amazing job of putting together a package for John that I think is fair, and he knows his value here,” Dickert told reporters last week. “He knows how much he’s loved, and I think it really means something for him to be here.”
– Jake Dickert, Washington State Head Coach
The Oklahoma Connection
Many believe that Mateer’s decision to enter the portal is linked to the recent hiring of former Washington State offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle by the Oklahoma Sooners. With the Sooners’ starting quarterback, Jackson Arnold, transferring to Auburn, Oklahoma is expected to be a frontrunner in the race to land Mateer’s services.
The connection between Mateer and Arbuckle, who helped orchestrate the quarterback’s breakout season, cannot be understated. Under Arbuckle’s tutelage, Mateer posted a top-10 QBR among Group of 5 starters (71.4) and established himself as one of the nation’s most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks.
The Road Ahead
As Mateer prepares to officially enter the transfer portal, the college football world waits with bated breath to see where the rising star will land. With his impressive skill set and proven track record of success, Mateer is sure to have no shortage of suitors vying for his commitment.
For Washington State, the loss of Mateer is a devastating blow. The Cougars will now turn to backup Zevi Eckhaus, a former FCS transfer from Bryant, to lead the team in their upcoming Holiday Bowl matchup against No. 21 Syracuse.
“John will be the most sought-after player in the portal,” Dickert said. “I think he’s going to be the best player in the country next year. He informed is that he is, in fact, going to hit the portal.”
– Jake Dickert, Washington State Head Coach
As the transfer portal continues to reshape the college football landscape, the story of John Mateer serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With a new era of player empowerment on the horizon, the future of the sport has never been more uncertain – or more exciting.
