ESPN SHOCKER: Oklahoma Sooners QB John Mateer Stuns College Football World—Declines \$4.5M NIL Deal from Georgia to Succeed Carson Beck! Already Secured \$2.1M in December, But Chooses Loyalty to the Sooners Over Bigger Payday—A Bold Move in Today’s Chaotic NIL Landscape!
In an era where massive Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are reshaping college football, Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer has sent shockwaves through the sport by making a decision few saw coming. According to reports from ESPN, Mateer turned down a staggering \$4.5 million NIL offer from the University of Georgia—a deal that would have positioned him as the heir apparent to current Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck.
What makes this development even more eye-opening is that Mateer had already secured a sizable \$2.1 million NIL deal back in December. Despite the significant financial gain on the table, he chose to stay in Norman, Oklahoma, committing to the program and teammates he believes in. In today’s ever-evolving NIL landscape, where player loyalty is often tested by bigger offers and quick opportunities, Mateer’s decision is being hailed as one of the boldest and most heartfelt moves in recent memory.
The \$4.5 million deal from Georgia reportedly included endorsements, marketing opportunities, and a direct path to the starting role after Beck’s departure. Many athletes in Mateer’s shoes would have made the switch without hesitation. But the redshirt sophomore, who’s patiently waited his turn behind established names at Oklahoma, said his decision came down to belief—belief in the Sooners’ vision, coaching staff, and his connection to the university.
“I’ve come this far with Oklahoma,” Mateer reportedly said in a closed-door team meeting, “and I want to finish what we started. It’s not always about the money—it’s about where your heart is.”
His choice comes at a time when college football’s identity is rapidly shifting. With the rise of NIL deals, player movement is more common than ever. Star athletes frequently chase better offers, transfer portals are flooded, and loyalty often takes a backseat to business. Mateer’s decision to stand firm with Oklahoma bucks that trend.
The response from the Sooners community has been overwhelmingly supportive. Fans, alumni, and former players have taken to social media to praise his loyalty and leadership. Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables also commended the young quarterback, saying, “John’s decision speaks volumes about his character. He’s the kind of leader you build a program around.”
Georgia, meanwhile, now finds itself back at square one in its search for a successor to Beck, with insiders saying the Bulldogs were fully expecting Mateer to accept their offer.
Whether Mateer’s move influences others remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—his loyalty has become a rallying point in a time when college football desperately needs it. With expectations mounting and his future firmly planted in Norman, John Mateer is not only ready to take over under center—he’s already proven he’s built for the moment.
