Josh Pate Snubs Arch Manning for Rival SEC QB When Picking His Heisman Trophy Favorite

Josh Pate Snubs Arch Manning for Rival SEC QB When Picking His Heisman Trophy Favorite originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

A subtle shift in college football conversation took place on Thursday. College football analyst Josh Pate dropped a bombshell as he revealed his preseason Heisman pick. The name he didn’t choose made waves: Texas quarterback Arch Manning, the consensus betting favorite to win the award.

Instead, his choice was Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer. The spotlight now shines on the 21-year-old signal-caller's potential to emerge from a crowded field and claim the sport’s most coveted individual honor.

Pate confirmed placing a substantial wager via FanDuel, betting on Mateer to take home the Heisman, not through Venmo but the “old-fashioned way.” He mentioned the payment platform as a not-so-subtle tease to the budding controversy that revealed Mateer allegedly completed sports betting-related transactions on Venmo.

Josh Pate Picks John Mateer Over Arch Manning As Heisman Favorite

Pate pointedly bypassed Manning, turning instead to Mateer as his 2025 Heisman pick. Mateer arrives at Oklahoma with momentum rooted in production, not just pedigree.

Last season for the Washington State Cougars, Mateer threw for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns and added 826 rushing yards and 15 rushing scores, leading all of FBS with 44 total touchdowns. He operated in a familiar system under new Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle — a continuity that gives him a head start in grasping the Sooners' offensive rhythm.

Manning, meanwhile, embodies long-term upside backed by legacy and measured efficiency. In limited appearances in 2024, he completed 67.8 percent of his passes for 939 yards, with nine touchdowns and just two interceptions. His precision is compelling, but he remains relatively raw, with less than a full season of experience under his belt.

Mateer was ranked No. 1 in ESPN’s top transfers list this offseason. Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables has praised his dual-threat versatility and leadership qualities. Transfer portal buzz and a projected $3 million name, image and likeness (NIL) valuation underscore Mateer’s rising stock.

Manning’s hype comes more from potential than production. His family’s history and pedigree have put him in the spotlight. Yet the Longhorns quarterback is mostly untested as a season-long leader in the SEC.

Pate’s choice seems rooted in Mateer’s multi-dimensional play with a possible underdog angle. Despite such a productive 2024 season and given his maturity in offensive execution, the 6-foot-1, 224-pound Mateer is poised to energize a program after a forgettable 6–7 season.

Manning remains a honed prospect with upside, but Mateer combines veteran swagger with stats, so that edge may explain Pate's bold forecast.

John Mateer’s Controversial Off-Field Narrative Distracts from Heisman Debate

Despite the excitement, Mateer has faced controversy. Screenshots of Venmo transactions labeled “sports gambling” from 2022 surfaced, spurring concern.

Mateer denied any betting, calling the descriptions inside jokes and stressing his adherence to NCAA rules. Oklahoma’s athletic department issued a statement acknowledging the allegations and said it would cooperate with the NCAA if an investigation were to follow.

Meanwhile, oddsmakers still favor Manning as the early betting favorite, with FanDuel listing him at +750 odds, though Mateer remains a high-upside wild card at +2500, tied for the 12th-best odds.

Mateer’s story is layered: transfer hero, dual-threat QB and now a young man navigating public scrutiny. His possible ascension could redefine expectations for Oklahoma, and that may just be part of the appeal behind Pate’s bold choice.

Related: Rece Davis Snubs Two Major College Football Programs In Preseason Top 25 Ballot

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 14, 2025, where it first appeared.