There is a lot of excitement in Norman ahead of the 2026 season as the Oklahoma Sooners are coming off a 10-3 year and a return to the College Football Playoff. The Sooners possess one of the best defenses in college football, as well as an offense returning a ton of talent, including quarterback John Mateer.
That's why many think this could be the best team in head coach Brent Venables' era. However, if Oklahoma is going to take the step many think it can and become a national championship contender, they are going to need more from Mateer and the offense.
In fact, college football analyst David Pollack said the Sooners' hopes for becoming a national championship contender will come down to Mateer's arm.
All of y’all in Norman, everybody’s excited,"
Pollack said on the 'Dari Nowkhah Show' on KREF. "But they know that the biggest reason this team can be successful and win a national championship and go to the playoff again; it’s going to be on that dude’s arm.”
The encouraging part for Oklahoma is that Mateer doesn't have to carry the entire team. The defense returns a significant amount of production, while the offense has added more weapons around him and returns several important contributors.
If Mateer can elevate the offense even a few levels, the Sooners could have the complementary football team necessary to make a serious run through the SEC and into the College Football Playoff.
That's ultimately why Pollack's point carries so much weight: Oklahoma appears to have the defense, talent and experience needed to contend. Whether it becomes a national championship team could come down to how far Mateer's right arm can take it.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: SEC analyst reveals 'biggest reason' Oklahoma can win it all
