Get ready for some exciting news, OU football fans! Today's announcements are a real game-changer. While the transfer portal usually steals the show, today is all about retention and keeping our top talent right where they belong.
For weeks, the spotlight has been on three key players: quarterback John Mateer, wide receiver Isaiah Sategna, and linebacker Kip Lewis. And guess what? They're all staying put! It's a triple checkmark moment for OU.
The day started with the confirmation that Sategna will be back for the 2026 season. And as the sun set, OU dropped the big news: Mateer and Lewis are returning too! Team 132 is about to take on a whole new shape.
After the 2025 season, it seemed like Mateer would definitely be back in Norman. While the initial plan might have been a one-and-done scenario, the season took an unexpected turn. Despite incredible success, Mateer's thumb surgery disrupted his second half, leaving him unable to fully showcase his skills.
Mateer's stats speak for themselves: 247 completed passes out of 397 attempts (62.2%), 2,885 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also rushed for 431 yards and scored an additional eight times. Now, he's ready to build on that success.
Lewis, on the other hand, was a defensive powerhouse. His stellar performance in November had many wondering if he'd head to the NFL Draft. He certainly had the credentials, but instead, he's chosen to return to OU.
Lewis' stats are impressive: 76 tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble. Both Lewis and Mateer served as team captains in 2025, and their leadership was instrumental in OU's College Football Playoff appearance, their first since 2019.
The season ended on a sour note with a home loss to No. 9 Alabama, but the message from these players is clear: they're not done yet. Sategna, Mateer, and Lewis, along with the rest of the team, are ready to make another run at it.
Team 132 is gearing up, and with these key players returning, the future looks bright. But here's where it gets controversial: do you think this decision will pay off? Will OU dominate in 2026 with this experienced core? Or should these players have taken a different path? Let's discuss in the comments and share your thoughts on this exciting news!
