The biggest benefit of Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer falling short of monster individual expectations this season was the Sooners at least likely having a QB1 returning next year for the first time since Dillon Gabriel in 2023, but Mateer's door to the NFL might not be sealed as tightly as fans thought.
As a redshirt junior, entering the 2026 NFL Draft is an option for Mateer, but after an underwhelming season, most believed that option had been tabled until 2027. However, ESPN's NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.'s recent rankings revealed Mateer might actually still have a decision to make at the end of the season, even if most fans don't think he's actually ready for the next level.