Oklahoma’s football program faces a pivotal moment as it prepares to meet top‑ranked Texas this weekend. Senior defensive back Peyton Bowen, a longtime friend of quarterback John Mateer, highlighted the personal challenges the starter has endured and called for the team and fans to rally behind him.
Mateer’s recent struggles
Mateer, once a Heisman Trophy frontrunner, has seen his performance dip dramatically. In the recent 41‑13 loss at No. 2 Georgia, he recorded six turnovers in three games, including two fumbles and an interception. Against Texas, the Sooners (2‑2, 0‑1 SEC) have averaged just over 12 points per game in their last three outings, while the Longhorns (4‑0, 1‑0) boast the nation’s 22nd‑ranked defense.
Coach Venables on the quarterback situation
Coach Brent Venables addressed the uncertainty surrounding the starting role on Wednesday. He noted that backups Whit Newbauer and Bowe Bentley “took a lot of the reps today” and added, “I have no idea. We’re not there right now… John’s our starting quarterback.” Venables praised both backups, saying they have shown “great belief, trust, and a body of work” that aligns with the qualities the Sooners seek in a quarterback.
Bowen’s personal appeal
Bowen, who shared a locker room with former five‑star recruit Jackson Arnold, spoke candidly about the emotional toll on Mateer. “Being his friend from high school and seeing how much he was on a pedestal to just being thrown tomatoes at, damn near, I mean it sucks,” Bowen said. He emphasized that Mateer is a human being facing intense scrutiny and deserves compassion.
“I go over there and check on John all the time,” Bowen added. “He just has to get his swagger back. He’s a great leader, a great teammate, great ballplayer. He just has to get out of his own head right now and that’s all it is.”
Looking ahead to the Texas game
The upcoming rivalry game offers a chance for Mateer to reset his season. While the Sooners have struggled offensively, the coaching staff remains optimistic that the quarterback can regain confidence and execute the fundamentals Venables expects: accurate throws, sound decision‑making, and leadership on the field.
Fans are encouraged to support the team, recognizing that the pressure on a young quarterback can be overwhelming. As Bowen reminded, “We’re all in this together, and lifting up our teammates is what makes a strong community and a strong football program.”
Backup quarterbacks’ profiles
Whit Newbauer, a 6‑foot‑6 junior who transferred from Mercer University, and Bowe Bentley, a 6‑1 freshman from Celina, Texas, have both earned praise for their work ethic. Venables highlighted their incremental improvements and the depth they provide at a critical position.
With the Texas game looming, Oklahoma will decide whether to stick with Mateer or give the backups a chance to prove themselves. Regardless of the decision, the team’s focus remains on disciplined execution and restoring confidence as the season progresses.
Original reporting: KOCO Sports (Oklahoma City) — read the source article.
