Mateer to Start as Witten Makes Play-Calling Debut in Gainesville

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer will start Saturday’s game against Florida, marking the first play-calling game for interim offensive coordinator Jason Witten.

The Sooners (4-4, 2-3 SEC) travel to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida, for a 6:45 p.m. CT matchup on SEC Network. The game represents the first on-campus meeting between the two programs. Oklahoma enters the contest after a 42-25 loss to South Carolina, which prompted head coach Brent Venables to dismiss offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle on Monday.

Venables promoted Witten, the former NFL tight end who previously coached the Sooners’ tight ends, to lead the offense for the final four regular-season games. Witten played 17 seasons in the NFL and earned 11 Pro Bowl selections. He later led Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas, to consecutive state championships in 2023 and 2024.

Mateer, a senior, has completed 162 of 247 passes for 1,835 yards, 13 touchdowns, and seven interceptions this season. He also rushed for 145 yards. His 10 touchdown passes of at least 20 yards are tied for the lead in the SEC. Venables said Mateer was emotional after the coaching change but told the player the decision was not solely his responsibility.

“Everything’s on the table,” Venables said earlier in the week regarding the starting quarterback decision. He later confirmed that all three quarterbacks participated in practice repetitions. The head coach cited inconsistent offensive production, turnovers, and the need for better quarterback play as factors in the staff change. Venables praised Witten for his leadership and communication skills, stating the former tight end exceeded expectations in his previous role.

Florida (5-3, 3-3 SEC) has lost three of its last four games. The Gators started the season 4-0 and reached No. 8 in the AP Top 25 after beating Ole Miss. They have since fallen to Missouri, South Carolina, and Georgia, with a victory over Texas during that stretch. First-year head coach Jon Sumrall leads a team with multiple quarterbacks seeing action. Venables noted that Florida’s quarterbacks are capable of making plays with both their arms and legs.

The Sooners must improve their defensive performance after allowing 42 points against South Carolina. Venables criticized the team’s fundamentals, tackling angles, and coverage leverage. Despite that loss, Oklahoma ranks in the top 25 nationally in opponent first downs, third-down conversion percentage, passing defense, and total defense. The Sooners have alternated wins and losses in all eight games this season.

Injury reports released on Thursday list eight Oklahoma players as out, including linebacker Taylor Heim, defensive back Dakoda Fields, and wide receiver Trell Harris. One Sooners player is doubtful, three are questionable, and three are probable. Florida has four players ruled out, including linebacker Jaden Robinson and offensive lineman Emeka Ugorji. One Gator is doubtful and two are questionable.

The teams last met in the 2020 Cotton Bowl, where Oklahoma won 55-20. Before that, Florida defeated Oklahoma 24-14 in the BCS National Championship Game following the 2008 season. The series is tied 1-1. Oklahoma faces its eighth consecutive opponent that was ranked or receiving votes in a major poll at the time of the game.