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Brent Venables on quarterback change: 'Everything's on the table'
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- Brent Venables on quarterback change: 'Everything's on the table'
The Oklahoma Sooners have made a major change heading into their ninth game of the season against the Florida Gators . The Sooners sit at 4-4, but after having one of the worst offenses in college football, head coach Brent Venables announced the firing of offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.
That leaves many speculating if a change at quarterback will be next. John Mateer has started the first eight games of the season. He's completed 65.6% of his passes for 1,835 yards, 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions, with two fumbles. Mateer has been backed up by Whitt Newbauer and Bowe Bentley; neither has much experience, although Newbauer started for the Mercer Bears at the FCS level.
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Venables was asked whether Mateer will be the guy on Saturday; however, he didn't want to commit yet.
"Everything's on the table," Venables said.
"I'm not going to talk about reps and depth chart (Tuesday). All three got reps."
Venables' comments suggest Oklahoma is evaluating all three quarterbacks as it prepares for a critical matchup with Florida. Mateer has the advantage of experience and familiarity against SEC defenses, but the coaching change gives the staff an opportunity to reassess the position. Newbauer and Bentley now have a chance to make their cases for more playing time, even if neither has much FBS experience.
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The decision will be closely watched as the Sooners try to get their season back on track. Oklahoma needs more consistency at quarterback, regardless of who earns the starting job. With the offense searching for answers and the coaching staff undergoing a transition, how Venables handles the quarterback competition could have a major impact on the rest of the season.
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) gets up after a failed 2-point conversion attempt during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. South Carolina won 42-25.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Ivan Carreon (82) gets past South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Kendall Daniels Jr. (5) for a touchdown during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. South Carolina won 42-25.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
An Oklahoma fan reacts during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. South Carolina won 42-25.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer (left) greets Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables after the game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) greets Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) after the game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners kicker Tate Sandell (29) cannot kick a successful onside kick during the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
South Carolina Gamecocks defensive lineman Caleb Herring (39) hits Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) as he throws during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Michael Boganowski (25) makes an interception during the third quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) celebrates with teammates after returning an interception for a touchdown during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) returns an interception for a touchdown during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) makes an interception and returns it for a touchdown during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jake Kreul (98) rushes South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) runs with the ball as Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) runs for a touchdown past Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables shouts at Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Trystan Haynes (14) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) stands with teammates as they sing after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. South Carolina won 42-25.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Should Oklahoma bench John Mateer after the Ben Arbuckle news?
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) gets up after a failed 2-point conversion attempt during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. South Carolina won 42-25.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
1
/17
Should Oklahoma bench John Mateer after the Ben Arbuckle news?
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) gets up after a failed 2-point conversion attempt during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. South Carolina won 42-25.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos from Oklahoma's 42-25 loss to South Carolina
Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Ivan Carreon (82) gets past South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Kendall Daniels Jr. (5) for a touchdown during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. South Carolina won 42-25.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos from Oklahoma's 42-25 loss to South Carolina
An Oklahoma fan reacts during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. South Carolina won 42-25.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Brent Venables doesn't want to talk about staff changes after loss
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer (left) greets Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables after the game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma's 42-25 loss to South Carolina
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) greets Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) after the game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma's 42-25 loss to South Carolina
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners kicker Tate Sandell (29) cannot kick a successful onside kick during the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7
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Photos from Oklahoma's 42-25 loss to South Carolina
South Carolina Gamecocks defensive lineman Caleb Herring (39) hits Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) as he throws during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos from Oklahoma's 42-25 loss to South Carolina
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Michael Boganowski (25) makes an interception during the third quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma's 42-25 loss to South Carolina
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) celebrates with teammates after returning an interception for a touchdown during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma's 42-25 loss to South Carolina
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) returns an interception for a touchdown during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma's 42-25 loss to South Carolina
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) makes an interception and returns it for a touchdown during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12
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Photos from Oklahoma's 42-25 loss to South Carolina
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jake Kreul (98) rushes South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Oklahoma Sooners game-by-game predictions from ESPN
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma's 42-25 loss to South Carolina
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) runs with the ball as Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from Oklahoma's 42-25 loss to South Carolina
Oct 31, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) runs for a touchdown past Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Brent Venables impressed by Florida's high-powered offense
Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables shouts at Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Trystan Haynes (14) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Will Oklahoma make a change at QB? Brent Venables weighs in
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) stands with teammates as they sing after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. South Carolina won 42-25.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Brent Venables on quarterback change: 'Everything's on the table'
