If you had told an Oklahoma fan two years ago that the quarterback room would look like this in 2026, they probably would’ve called you crazy. Honestly, the turnover has been a total whirlwind. One minute you have five-star recruits making Elite 11 headlines, and the next, they’re packing their bags for West Virginia or Las Vegas. That is just the "New Era" of the SEC, I guess.
Brent Venables and his staff have had to navigate a portal landscape that moves faster than a Gavin Sawchuk sprint. For anyone trying to keep up with the ou quarterback depth chart, things have finally settled after a chaotic New Year’s Eve portal window. The dust has cleared, the signatures are in, and we finally have a clear picture of who is taking snaps in Norman.
The State of the Room: John Mateer and the 2026 Outlook
Basically, the "John Mateer Era" is officially in full swing. After a 2025 season where he basically stabilized a ship that was rocking pretty hard, Mateer is the undisputed leader of this offense. It’s kinda wild to think about how he ended up here, but his performance down the stretch—especially that gritty showing against Alabama—cemented his spot.
But behind him? That’s where it gets interesting.
With Michael Hawkins Jr. and his brother Maliek deciding to head to West Virginia as a package deal just a few days ago, the depth chart took a massive hit in terms of experience. Hawkins was the first true freshman to ever start a Red River Rivalry game, so losing that kind of "trial by fire" talent hurts. But that’s the portal for you. You win some, you lose some, and sometimes you lose legacy kids to Morgantown.
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The Current Hierarchy
- John Mateer (RS-SR): The guy. He’s got the arm, the wheels, and most importantly, the trust of offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.
- Whitt Newbauer (RS-SO): A 6-foot-6 skyscraper who transferred in from Mercer. He’s the prototypical "tall guy with a cannon" who has been waiting for his shot.
- Bowe Bentley (FR): The crown jewel of the 2026 recruiting class. He’s a top-100 national recruit out of Celina, Texas, and honestly, fans are already clamoring to see what he can do.
- Jett Niu (RS-FR): A developmental piece who provides much-needed depth but likely needs another year of seasoning.
What Really Happened With the Stars of the Past?
People keep asking: "What about Jackson Arnold?"
It’s the question that won’t go away. Arnold was supposed to be the chosen one. The Gatorade National Player of the Year. Instead, his career has become a bit of a cautionary tale about the pressure of the Oklahoma spotlight. After the benching in 2024 and the subsequent move to Auburn, he’s now officially signed with UNLV for the 2026 season. It’s a bummer it didn't work out in Norman, but the ou quarterback depth chart simply couldn't wait for him to find his rhythm while the team was trying to survive its first few years in the SEC.
Then there’s the Michael Hawkins Jr. exit. That one stung a bit more for some fans because he actually showed flashes of being "the guy." But with Mateer’s return for his final year of eligibility, Hawkins clearly saw the writing on the wall. He wanted to start now. West Virginia offered that path.
Bowe Bentley: The Future Is Already Here
If you haven't watched Bowe Bentley’s high school tape, you’re missing out. The kid is a playmaker. He signed during the early period in December 2025 and is already on campus as an early enrollee.
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Usually, you’d want a freshman to sit and learn for a year. In 2026? He’s one snap away. Because Newbauer is still unproven at the Power 4 level, Bentley is essentially the high-upside insurance policy.
- Size: 6-foot-1, 200 lbs.
- Ranking: 4-star (Top 10 QB nationally).
- The Vibe: Very similar to the dual-threat style Arbuckle loves.
Why the Portal Might Not Be Done With OU
Even though the current ou quarterback depth chart looks set, don't be surprised if Venables looks for one more veteran arm before the spring window closes.
Relying on a Mercer transfer and a true freshman as your primary backups in the SEC is... risky. It’s a lot to ask. If Mateer gets dinged up (and he did have that thumb issue during the Texas game last year), the season rests on guys who haven't seen a Saturday night in Baton Rouge or Tuscaloosa.
The staff really likes Whitt Newbauer’s progress, but there’s a difference between "looking good in practice" and "leading a 2-minute drill against Kirby Smart’s defense."
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Key Takeaways for Sooners Fans
- Mateer is the floor and the ceiling. The 2026 season goes as he goes.
- Watch the backup battle. Newbauer vs. Bentley in the spring game will be the most-watched position battle in Norman.
- The recruiting shift is real. OU is moving toward high-floor, high-IQ quarterbacks rather than just chasing every 5-star recruit who enters the portal.
Actionable Next Steps for Following the Sooners
If you’re trying to stay ahead of the curve on the ou quarterback depth chart, you need to keep a close eye on the spring practice reports starting in March. Specifically, watch for how many first-team reps Bowe Bentley starts poaching from Newbauer.
Also, keep an eye on the "April Portal." If a veteran QB from a mid-tier school decides they want to spend their final year in a high-octane Air Raid system as a "break glass in case of emergency" backup, Oklahoma might just be the most attractive destination in the country.
The days of Dillon Gabriel and Baker Mayfield feel like a lifetime ago. This new room is younger, faster, and arguably has more "upside" than we've seen in years—but it's also incredibly thin. One injury changes everything.