Washington State University’s starting quarterback, John Mateer, has announced his decision to enter the transfer portal, effectively ending his tenure with the Cougars. This unexpected move comes after Mateer led WSU to an 8-4 season, marking their first eight-win campaign since 2018.
Mateer, a redshirt sophomore from Little Elm, Texas, started all 12 games this season, completing 224 of 347 passes (65%) for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. His dual-threat capabilities were instrumental in WSU’s victories over rivals such as Washington and Texas Tech.
Despite efforts from WSU’s NIL team, the Cougar Collective, which reportedly offered an NIL package in the $1 million range to retain him, Mateer chose to seek opportunities elsewhere. Head Coach Jake Dickert expressed disappointment but acknowledged Mateer’s desire to play on a bigger stage.
Mateer’s departure adds to a growing list of WSU players entering the transfer portal, with the count now at 19, including eight starters. Notably, former WSU offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and quarterbacks coach John Kuceyeski have recently joined the University of Oklahoma’s coaching staff, leading to speculation that Mateer might reunite with them there.
In Mateer’s absence, backup quarterback Zevi Eckhaus is expected to start in the upcoming Holiday Bowl against Syracuse on December 27 in San Diego. Wide receivers coach Nick Edwards will assume offensive play-calling duties for the game.
Mateer’s decision reflects a broader trend in college football, where players seek new opportunities through the transfer portal, often influenced by coaching changes and NIL deals. As WSU prepares for the Holiday Bowl, the team faces the challenge of adjusting to these significant roster changes.
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