John Mateer’s gambling controversy casts shadow over promising college football career

Agency_SAM Conor Clancy - SAM English John Mateer - English NCAAF - English Oklahoma Sooners - English Sports

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The buildup to the 2025 college football season is typically filled with excitement, projections, and game-day anticipation.

However, for Oklahoma fans, this offseason has taken a different turn, one dominated by controversy involving their newly acquired starting quarterback, John Mateer.

Instead of focusing on touchdowns and victories, conversations have shifted toward social media leaks, Venmo transactions, and gambling allegations surrounding the young signal-caller.

Recently, social media exploded with screenshots that purported to show John Mateer making payments via Venmo labeled clearly as “sports gambling.”

These payments reportedly occurred in November 2022 and were sent to a “Richard Roaten,” believed to be linked to Mateer‘s former teammate at Washington State, Landon Roaten. Though these transactions were soon deleted, the damage was done: the screenshots quickly spread online, fueling speculation and concern.

Since the controversy erupted, the account associated with Mateer has removed all transaction history, making it impossible to verify the authenticity of these claims.

Nevertheless, the mere suggestion of a college athlete engaging in sports gambling is a serious matter. Should these allegations prove true, Mateer could face severe consequences, including suspension or even the loss of eligibility, potentially derailing his amateur career before it truly begins at Oklahoma.

NCAA rules and possible repercussions

Gambling by student-athletes on NCAA sports is a strict violation of the governing body’s rules. The NCAA explicitly prohibits players from betting on collegiate games, and any breach can lead to significant penalties. These can range from game suspensions to the forfeiture of eligibility and scholarships.

Additionally, the repercussions could extend beyond Mateer himself, potentially impacting the University of Oklahoma’s football program through fines or reputational damage.

The scandal deepened on August 11 when the social media outlet Exposing SEC Bias released further screenshots suggesting Mateer’s Venmo notes included bets on high-profile events such as the UCLA vs. USC rivalry and even the FIFA World Cup.

If these reports are accurate, the fallout could be harsh, both in the eyes of the NCAA and public opinion.

While legal consequences remain less likely unless there is evidence of illegal gambling or external influence, Mateer’s situation underscores how off-field issues can quickly overshadow athletic accomplishments.

Adding a layer of complexity to this unfolding story, Mateer was recently named to the 2025 Davey O’Brien Award Preseason Watch List, a prestigious recognition reserved for the top 36 returning quarterbacks nationally. The award nod highlights Mateer’s undeniable talent and leadership potential.

Before transferring to Oklahoma, Mateer had a standout three-year career at Washington State, amassing 7,060 passing yards and 66 touchdowns.

Now a junior, he’s expected to lead the Sooners’ offense, with the Big 12 boasting eight quarterbacks on the watch list, including stars like Drew Allar, Arch Manning, and Cade Klubnik.

Whether Mateer can rise above the gambling controversy and fulfill his potential on the field remains to be seen. The 2025 season will undoubtedly test his resilience and focus as he navigates this unusual and challenging crossroads.

This news was originally published on this post .

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Agency_SAM Conor Clancy - SAM English John Mateer - English NCAAF - English Oklahoma Sooners - English

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