The University of Oklahoma announced Thursday night on social media that quarterback John Mateer and linebacker Kip Lewis will return in 2026.
Mateer, who transferred from Washington State to Oklahoma prior to the 2025 season, completed 62.2% percent of his passes for 2,885 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also rushed for 431 yards and a team-high eight scores as the Sooners’ 10-3 season ended with a College Football Playoff first-round home loss to Alabama.
Mateer broke a bone in his throwing hand against Auburn on Sept. 20 and underwent surgery, yet he missed just one game as he returned at least one week sooner than estimated. He threw for eight touchdowns and eight interceptions in his eight games following the surgery.
Lewis, who also wore No. 10 for Oklahoma, produced a team-high 76 tackles for the SEC’s stingiest defense. The rising senior recorded 10.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, five quarterback hits and four pass breakups for a Sooners unit that allowed just 15.2 points per game.
