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 a college football era dominated by flashy NIL deals and jaw-dropping transfer offers, Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer just flipped the script—and shook the sport to its core.
In a stunning turn of events, Mateer has turned down a colossal $4.5 million NIL offer from the University of Georgia, who sought him as the immediate successor to star QB Carson Beck. With the Bulldogs aiming to stay atop the SEC and college football hierarchy, Mateer was seen as the crown jewel—the future face of their program. But instead of chasing a bigger bag, the rising star made a statement that sent shockwaves across the nation:
He chose loyalty.
Yes, despite already securing a healthy $2.1 million NIL package with Oklahoma back in December, Mateer said no to the money, the spotlight, and the potential to win immediately in Athens. He’s staying right where his heart is—with the Sooners.
This move is nothing short of revolutionary in today’s chaotic NIL landscape, where top athletes are often swayed by seven-figure offers, boosters, and quick paths to NFL exposure. Mateer, however, is writing a different story—a rare narrative of commitment, pride, and belief in a vision bigger than dollar signs.
Sources close to Mateer say the young quarterback has fully bought into the direction Brent Venables is taking the Sooners. With the team headed into the SEC, Mateer believes he can build a legacy not just as a great player, but as a program-defining leader who helped restore Oklahoma’s dominance—from within.
“This isn’t about the money,” a source close to Mateer said. “He wants to win as a Sooner. He wants to build, not jump.”
The college football world is reacting with a mix of shock and admiration. Social media erupted the moment the news dropped, with fans, players, and analysts alike praising Mateer’s bold decision.
Former Sooners greats chimed in too. One ex-QB tweeted:
> “Mateer just became a legend in Norman. Not because of what he said—but because of what he walked away from.”
Georgia fans, understandably, are left stunned. The Bulldogs had quietly pursued Mateer with hopes of securing a high-profile, plug-and-play replacement for Beck. The offer, packed with luxury perks and endorsement deals, was seen as nearly impossible to refuse.
But in the end, Mateer showed that not every player is for sale.
In a time when loyalty is often questioned, Mateer just gave Oklahoma fans a reason to believe—not just in his talent, but in his heart.
This isn’t just a recruiting twist. It’s a culture-shifting moment.
And the season hasn’t even started yet.
