Oklahoma QB John Mateer 'Turned Down More Money' in Transfer Portal, HC Venables Says

Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables told reporters on Wednesday that quarterback John Mateer "turned down more money" in the transfer portal to join the Sooners than he could've gotten elsewhere.

"Every day John is wide-open. He is a guy that deeply cares and turned down more money to be here..." he said. "He is a great competitor and super athletic. Throws the ball really well on the run... Handles those tough moments and takes responsibility."

Mateer sound plenty excited about not only getting to play for Oklahoma, but to compete in the SEC.

Mateer, 21, threw for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions for Washington State last season, completing 64.6 percent of his passes while taking 31 sacks.

Mateer has familiarity in Norman, as his Washington State offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, is now with the Sooners as well. Both are hoping to have successful first seasons for Oklahoma after the team started its SEC era in disappointing fashion, going 6-7 last year.