Oklahoma QB John Mateer reveals late night message that powered him past Kentucky loss

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Oklahoma football shook off the disappointing Kentucky loss against Mississippi State, winning 23-15 on the road Saturday. This SEC showdown witnessed a refocused John Mateer at quarterback for OU. Turns out a late night message sparked his redemption at Starksville.

Mateer addressed what that message was while standing in front of reporters at an empty Davis Wade Stadium.

“I woke up in the middle of the night and something told me, ‘forgive yourself.’ Real powerful stuff,” Mateer said.

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John Mateer: “I woke up in the middle of the night and something told me, ‘forgive yourself.’ Real powerful stuff.” pic.twitter.com/6TvwkvyvMZ

— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) October 25, 2026

Mateer needed to forgive himself for the costly interception that sealed the Wildcats’ road win one week prior. He looked more efficient this time with electric dual-threat passer Kamario Taylor sitting out following a lower body injury.

Mateer hit 22-of-29 passing for 283 yards and tossed two touchdown passes: One to Isaiah Sategna III for 36 yards and the other to Rocky Beers for 32. The dual-threat added 37 rushing yards on nine carries as well.

Mateer stood on top of the SEC world, plus college football universe, in taking down previous No. 1 Texas just two weeks ago. And that performance eased tensions among the fan base in writing off the Sooners. The Kentucky defeat lured out those critics once again. But now, OU has smoothed out any tense attitudes by claiming this crucial road win.

So Oklahoma is now two wins away from clinching a bowl spot. The Sooners have gone to a bowl every season under coach Brent Venables. Granted, this season became a step backward from last year’s College Football Playoff appearance. But a Mateer who forgave himself became more motivated to get Oklahoma back into the win column Saturday.

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