By Adeniyi Precious 
After two out of three losing seasons and a rough offensive year in 2024, it’s tough to see Oklahoma football making a run for the College Football Playoff in 2025. But one expert thinks it could happen.
Matt Hayes from USA Today believes the Sooners might be one of three SEC teams to make the Playoff next year, and he’s banking on Washington State transfer QB John Mateer to help turn things around. Mateer, who was the top QB in the transfer portal, had a huge season last year, throwing for over 3,100 yards and running for 800 more, totaling 44 touchdowns.
Oklahoma’s new offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, played a big part in bringing Mateer to Norman. Arbuckle had worked with Mateer at Washington State, and Miami, North Carolina, and even Bill Belichick had shown interest in the QB.
Hayes says Mateer could be the key to turning Oklahoma’s offense from one of the worst in the country last season into a CFP contender in 2025, especially with help from wide receivers like Isaiah Stegner, Keontez Lewis, and Javonnie Gibson.
But don’t get too excited yet—Oklahoma still faces a brutal SEC schedule, including games against Mississippi, Missouri, LSU, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and their annual rivalry game with Texas. Plus, they’ve got Michigan in non-conference play.
Oklahoma has had a lot of playoff success in the past, making it to the first four CFPs, including three straight from 2017 to 2019. But last season’s offense was a huge letdown, finishing near the bottom of nearly every major offensive stat. It was their worst offensive performance in 27 years.
The hope for a turnaround lies in the hands of new offensive coordinator Arbuckle and Mateer, whose previous performance at Washington State was impressive. Under Arbuckle, they finished in the top 25 for points per game, total yards, and yards per play.
With the right coaching, a dual-threat QB, and a talented group of receivers, Oklahoma is betting that 2025 could be the year they bounce back.