‘Oklahoma Fans, You’re Stuck’ — Paul Finebaum Labels John Mateer a ‘Complete Bust,’ Slams AD’s Decision To Extend Brent Venables’ Contract

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer has had a messy start to the 2026 season after an initially promising first season in Norman, during which he led the Sooners to the College Football Playoff. Mateer cracked against an unrelenting Georgia Bulldogs defense, committing three turnovers during a lopsided 41-13 loss in Week 5 in Athens.

Opinionated ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum slammed Mateer’s performances for the Sooners this season.

Paul Finebaum Critical of John Mateer’s Performances This Season

During Wednesday’s segment of the “Get Up” show, Finebaum did not mince his words when it came to Mateer’s potential.

“I expect more ineptitude from Oklahoma,” Finebaum said. “John Mateer, who a lot of us thought was going to be a really good quarterback in July and August, has been a complete bust. There’s good news for Oklahoma fans: the new athletic director, before the season, extended Brent Venables for who knows how many more years. So Oklahoma fans, you’re stuck!”

In Week 5, Mateer’s first fumble was scooped up and scored on by Georgia linebacker Chris Cole on an 85-yard return, and his second fumble helped the Bulldogs score a few plays later, completing the Sooners’ meltdown in Athens.

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Midway through last season, Mateer was a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy after a storming start to his first year in Norman after transferring from Washington State. His form dropped off dramatically after he broke his thumb, affecting his performances toward the end of the season, but he was widely expected to bounce back after rehabilitation during the offseason.

Mateer has tallied 883 passing yards on 66.1% completion, 8 touchdowns and 4 interceptions for the Sooners this season, earning a PFN College QB Impact score of 68.6 (No. 129 nationally).

During his weekly news conference, coach Brent Venables stood by Mateer despite the quarterback’s inconsistent performances.

“A guy who loves to compete,” Venables said. “He cares about being a great teammate, being the leader of our football team. Playing well. Again, he carries a heavy weight when it comes to that. Great self-awareness. He doesn’t have his head in the sand. He cares about his opportunity.

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“He certainly cares about representing a place like Oklahoma at quarterback is a big deal. Nobody is more disappointed, you know, not playing up to the standard that he wants to and certainly what he’s capable of and certainly what the University of Oklahoma has been used to over a long period of time.”

The former Cougars star has the chance to change the perception of his season when the Sooners face the No. 1 Texas Longhorns in the Red River Rivalry in Week 6 action at the Cotton Bowl.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.