The landscape of college football keeps shifting, and the 2025 season? No exception. Oklahoma Sooners and Auburn Tigers are both undefeated so far, and the buzz is all about their quarterbacks—John Mateer and Jackson Arnold. People are watching these two closely, and honestly, it’s hard not to get caught up in their stories. Let’s take a look at how they got here, what’s happening on the field, and the big gap in their NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) valuations.
The Rise of John Mateer at Oklahoma
John Mateer transferred from Washington State and, almost overnight, became a big name in Norman. The Sooners are 3-0, and that win over Michigan? Huge. Mateer’s making waves both on the field and in the world of endorsements.
Performance on the Field
He’s been on a roll, with nine straight games where he’s thrown and rushed for a touchdown. That’s not easy. His fit in the Sooners’ offense just looks natural. Honestly, it’s a big reason they’re off to such a hot start.
NIL Valuation
According to On3, Mateer’s NIL deals are valued at $3.2 million. That puts him eighth among all college football players. He’s not just winning games—he’s winning off the field, too.
Jackson Arnold’s Journey to Auburn
Jackson Arnold’s story has had more bumps. After a tough season with the Sooners—including getting benched against Tennessee—he transferred to Auburn. Now, he’s found his groove, and the Tigers are 3-0.
Redemption on the Field
Arnold’s start at Auburn feels like a fresh start. He hasn’t thrown an interception in 223 passes, which says a lot about his growth. The next game, though? Facing Oklahoma. That’s got to mean a little extra for him.
NIL Valuation
Even with his strong play, Arnold’s NIL value has dropped. He started the season at $1.8 million, but now it’s at $1.6 million—a 14 percent decrease. He’s ranked 45th among college football players. That’s a pretty big gap compared to Mateer, and it really shows how tough the NIL world can be.
The Upcoming Showdown
This Auburn vs. Oklahoma matchup isn’t just another game. It’s two quarterbacks with tangled histories and pretty different stories. No. 22 Auburn takes on No. 11 Oklahoma, and all eyes are on Arnold and Mateer.
Historical Context
These two go way back. In high school, Arnold’s Denton Guyer High beat Mateer’s Little Elm High 45-21 in 2021. That history adds some extra flavor to their college showdown. Who doesn’t love a good rivalry with some backstory?
What’s at Stake
For Arnold, this is a shot at redemption. Can he lead his new team to a win over his old one? For Mateer, it’s another chance to prove he’s one of the best in the country. The game’s on ABC, so you know people will be watching.
NIL: The New Game Off the Field
NIL deals have totally changed the college football landscape. Top players can become millionaires before they even finish school. There’s a whole new level of competition now—players are chasing endorsement deals as much as touchdowns.
Impact on Players
For guys like Mateer and Arnold, NIL means financial stability and some well-deserved recognition. But it’s not all easy; there’s pressure to keep performing and stay relevant. The difference in their NIL values really highlights how much on-field play and media attention matter.
The Future of NIL in College Football
It’s hard to say where NIL is headed. Will it widen the gap between top stars and everyone else? Or maybe it’ll open doors for more players. Either way, NIL isn’t going anywhere, and it’s definitely changing the game—sometimes in ways no one expected.
Conclusion
John Mateer and Jackson Arnold have lived through the wild swings that come with college football. Their story started as a high school rivalry and now, somehow, they’re both at the helm of top SEC teams.
It’s funny how things work out. Their paths show just how unpredictable this sport can be.
They’re about to face each other again. The pressure’s real, and it’s not just about the scoreboard.
If you want all the gritty details, check out the full article on Heavy.com.
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