Just over a month out, with rosters clarified and the portal closed, season projections are beginning to be released. Wednesday, ESPN.com wrote about each of its preseason top-25 teams' X-factor. Reporter Chris Low, who writes about the SEC, selected Mateer as the key to Oklahoma's season.

It’s no secret that Oklahoma’s wide receiver play in 2024 was less than stellar. And to an extent, it simply couldn’t be helped. The Sooners dealt with a litany of injuries at the position, and several reserves and true freshmen were pressed into much larger roles than anticipated.

John Mateer committed to FCS program Central Arkansas since nobody anywhere viewed him as a major-college quarterback.