Brent Venables confirmed Mateer will remain Oklahoma’s starting quarterback against Texas, even after the staff considered a change. Backups Bowe Bentley and Whitt Newbauer took additional practice snaps during the bye week.
Venables said the coaches discussed benching Mateer during the 41–13 loss to Georgia but decided to keep him in the lineup. “We’re not there right now. John’s our starting quarterback,” the coach said.
Oklahoma is averaging 11.5 points per game against Power Four opponents with Mateer at quarterback. He has completed 66% of his passes for 883 yards, but is averaging 1.9 yards per carry and has thrown four interceptions over his last three games. The Sooners are 2–2, rank last in the SEC in total offense and 15th in scoring.
Oklahoma faces top-ranked Texas on Saturday in the Red River Rivalry. The Sooners have lost three of their last four games, averaging 3.0 points in those defeats.
Newbauer started seven games at Mercer in 2024 but has attempted just five passes for 12 yards in two seasons as an Oklahoma backup. Bentley, a four-star freshman and former Texas high-school state champion, completed 77% of his passes for 2,911 yards and 32 touchdowns as a senior.
Venables said the staff trusts both backups and is evaluating their work. Two years ago, he changed quarterbacks after a slow start, but Oklahoma’s offensive struggles have spanned several seasons.