Oklahoma football news: Brent Venables confirms John Mateer's QB1 status after getting smoked by Georgia

Oklahoma football's Brent Venables has confirmed that star quarterback John Mateer will retain his QB1 status following a devastating 41-13 loss to Georgia. The game, held on a recent Saturday, prompted Venables to consider benching Mateer in the aftermath of the defeat. However, Venables addressed Mateer's status as the starting quarterback on Wednesday. The four-word response from Venables to reporters at his presser was simple: "John’s our starting quarterback."

The news comes amid a challenging 2026 season for Mateer, who once garnered preseason Heisman Trophy hype after leading the Sooners into the College Football Playoffs. However, Mateer has struggled to live up to his potential this season, failing to throw for more than 300 yards in a game and rush for more than 45 yards in a game. Despite these challenges, Oklahoma has already suffered two costly losses this season: one to Michigan in week two and the more recent drubbing at the hands of Georgia.

Mateer delivered 25-of-34 passing for 231 yards and two touchdowns in the Georgia game, but he also absorbed three sacks and got picked off once. With the Sooners facing dwindling hopes of playing for the SEC Championship and their College Football Playoff chances looking increasingly tenuous, they now face a grueling conference gauntlet in the weeks ahead.

After a bye week, Oklahoma will face No. 1 ranked Texas on Oct. 10 in the highly-anticipated Red River Rivalry. This contest will be followed by three more games against other ranked teams in No. 24 Kentucky, No. 16 Mississippi State, and then No. 25 Missouri in the final regular season game. Despite the challenging schedule, OU remains confident with Mateer behind center, as they continue to look for redemption and a chance to make a bowl game.