As the Cougars prepare for their bowl game against Syracuse, one major storyline remains unclear. Will John Mateer return to Pullman in 2025, or will he transfer for a new opportunity?
Mateer led all quarterbacks at FBS schools in total touchdowns, scoring at least one rushing touchdown and throwing for at least one touchdown in all twelve of the Cougs games in 2024. If Mateer does choose to transfer, he would be among the most coveted athletes in the transfer portal.
The rumors have already been swirling. In particular, Oklahoma, whose quarterback Jackson Arnold has already announced his intent to transfer, has an attractive opening. Oklahoma just hired former WSU Offensive Coordinator Ben Arbuckle to be their new offensive coordinator, so it would make sense as a natural landing spot for Mateer.
However, there is still a chance Mateer decides to stay in Pullman. According to head coach Jake Dickert, conversations with Mateer have been going well, and there is a major push from school donors and local businesses to put together a strong NIL package that could entice Mateer to stay.
Cougar Collective has been working closely with Pullman businesses and WSU donors, and believe they have a very competitive NIL offer on the table. It’s still probably not as much as Mateer could get from an SEC or even an ACC school, but if Mateer loves the Cougars enough, it will not be all about the money.
One good sign for the Cougs is that Mateer was practicing with the team on Friday, in preparation for the Holiday Bowl. While freshman Wayshawn Parker and Ethan O’Conner, both transferring, have not been practicing, Mateer has shown no signs of drama related to his practice schedule.
Whether Mateer stays or leaves will have major implications for the future of WSU football. The Cougars do not have a difficult schedule in 2025, and with Mateer, another eight-plus win season would be on the table, and even ten wins would be in the realm of possibility. It would help to maintain the Cougars’ presence as a power program and uphold the precedence of loyalty to the Cougs.
Mateer’s decision will likely come by the end of the week, and it’s no secret, all eyes are on him.
Matt Rowe • Dec 10, 2024 at 3:20 pm
Let’s say we indeed lose Mateer, well in that case that would leave let’s say 400k+ in NIL monies to distribute to potential transfers. What I propose we do in that scenario is spread the 400k out to 8 very good “Non-Qb” transfer portal prospects. A 50k NIL deal to a non Qb prospect I believe would be very attractive. Bolster our team for immediate success and have one of our current Qbs lead the “much improved overall” team.
Sports Editor • Dec 11, 2024 at 5:33 pm
Not a bad strategy!