Josh Pate backs John Mateer and Oklahoma Sooners for 2026

College football analyst Josh Pate expressed confidence in John Mateer and the Oklahoma Sooners for the 2026 season. Despite an offense that struggled last year, Mateer is expected to return strong after recovering from a thumb injury that limited his performance in 2025. He averaged over 351 total yards and 2.8 touchdowns before his injury, showcasing his potential as a key player. The Sooners will face significant challenges early in the season, including key matchups against Michigan and Texas. Improvement in their running game will be essential to support Mateer's play.

• 6:00 PMYahoo Sports — Josh Pate 'all-in' on John Mateer, Oklahoma Sooners