John Mateer is the Cougs’ guy. In year one of the post-Cam Ward era, WSU had a lengthy QB battle spanning from Spring camp through the final week of Fall camp, with Mateer being crowned the champion.

Mateer beat out Zevi Eckhaus, a transfer from FCS Bryant University who opted out of his commitment to Jacksonville State to venture to the Palouse. Now Mateer will attempt to fill the shoes of the now Miami (FL) Hurricanes QB Cam Ward.

While both Eckhaus and Mateer have their strengths and weaknesses, it was Mateer’s intangible skills and potential that ultimately won him the job, said head coach Jake Dickert.

“John’s intangible pieces, what he can do with his feet, what he can do off-script, his big arm, and I think more importantly, John is gonna get exponentially better. The John Mateer you see game one, every time he’s out there going through Gesa Field, he’s gonna get so much better week-to-week,” Dickert said. “I’m excited about him leading our team, and just like any position, I told him, there’s an expectation level of performance. Zevi will be ready when and if called upon.”

Mateer is entering year four at WSU but is set to make his first career start against Portland State in week one. Last season Mateer played in 11 games, completing 13 passes for 235 yards with two touchdowns. He also rushed for 93 yards and three touchdowns on 21 attempts.

Now it’s up to Mateer to put it all together, and with a receiving core that redshirt-junior wide receiver Tre Shackleford compared to “2019 Alabama’s,” he should be set up with plenty of weapons at his aid.

Winning the QB position is big for Mateer, and now he gets the opportunity to keep it August 31 against Portland State.

Entering a season of uncertainty amidst the new look of the Pac-12 Conference, roster turnover and schedule shake-ups, WSU football and Coug fans alike know one thing for certain: John Mateer is at the helm.