Quarterback-offensive line connection proves to be vital.
In 2018, the Sooners won the Joe Moore award for the best offensive line in college football, and then-Sooner quarterback Kyler Murray threw for over 4,000 yards, leading to the No. 1 offense in the nation. However, in 2024, the offensive line was inconsistent due to injuries, and former Sooner quarterback Jackson Arnold threw for only 1,421 yards, finishing as the No. 97 offense out of Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams.
Redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer, who is set to lead the Sooners in 2025, acknowledges the importance of the relationship and sat in an offensive line meeting. According to offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh, he took notes to understand the workings of it, and his character prompted the lineman to feel motivated.
“He was in it yesterday, didn’t know he was there, and then got going, looked up and he's sitting there writing stuff down, listening and all that,” Bedenbaugh said on Aug. 11. “I love John; John's awesome, man. He's a guy that … (makes you feel) you better step up.”
Mateer, who led Washington State University to the No. 6 scoring offense in the nation in 2024, arrives with a pedigree that inspires but also seeks to understand his teammates. Freshman Michael Fasusi, a consensus top-25 prospect, appreciates the interest Mateer has in his teammates’ roles.
“I look back and see John; I love having someone like that – just has a passion for his spot and his brother's spot as well (to) help him,” Fasusi said on Aug. 11.
Mateer’s not naive in stating his findings from the experience either. The quarterback values insights to better assist the linemen, while feeling encouraged during their gatherings.
“I learned that coach (Bedenbaugh) gets on them a lot, … just a lot of their calls and what they're looking for because the more I know about what they're trying to do, the more I can help them out – big on anticipation, big on working together,” Mateer said. “I was fascinated in that meeting. … They met from two to four on Sunday, just them, and they're just putting it in. The depth is real.”
The depth includes redshirt senior Derek Simmons as the No. 1 right tackle, redshirt senior Febechi Nwaiwu as No. 1 right guard, redshirt senior Troy Everett as No. 1 center in addition to Fasusi leading at left tackle and others’ growth. Simmons, who transferred from Western Carolina University and did not allow a sack in 2024, holds the status of newcomer like Fasusi, while Nwaiwu and Everett have Southeastern Conference experience.
The goal for all of them, according to Mateer, is to contribute to a quick, successful offensive scheme.
“We'd rather you play fast and make a mistake than play slow and do the right thing because playing slow and doing the right thing, you’re not even doing the right thing,” Mateer said at his first OU press conference on April 12. “As long as they play fast, the offense will work.”
Throughout fall camp, as the offense has worked for positive results, Mateer and the offensive line have noticed a better level of camaraderie. Mateer remembers seeing little celebration when he first arrived but now rejoices in how all of the players support each other.
“When I got here, it wasn't the norm, and it really surprised me. We scored in spring ball, and (in) the clip of (redshirt junior wide receiver Javonnie Gibson) scoring on the first day of spring ball, I was running down there like, ‘What's going on?’” Mateer said. “Celebrating each other and caring about each other, loving each other, I think, with the turnover of the transfer portal, was hard. You don't know these guys, and so for me, fall camp was so much more fun than spring because I got to build big relationships.
“Celebrating each other has been huge.”
Between the growth of relationships throughout the team and the specific connection between the quarterback and offensive line, Everett looks forward to showcasing the team’s capabilities against Illinois State University on Saturday.
“We score now, and it's a freaking party out there,” Everett said. “That's what it's going to be Saturday. When we score, it's going to be a party in the end zone because that's what we're excited to do.”
