Matt Hayes picks Oklahoma to win SEC
USA TODAY Sports' Matt Hayes told "That SEC Podcast" that OU was his pick at the top of the best football conference in the country.
"Many people here have told me that I'm crazy for saying this, I think Oklahoma is going to win the SEC," he said. "I think (quarterback John) Mateer is going to play really well and that defense will be as good as any defense in the league. They're going to shock some people this year,"
Mateer didn't make any of the preseason All-SEC teams last week during media days. Part of the reason was his relative lack of familiarity in the SEC. The Washington State transfer led FBS in touchdowns last year with 29 passing and another 15 rushing. He transferred from WSU to Oklahoma after Sooners head man Brent Venables hired Cougars offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle for the same job in Norman.
"I think Mateer is a lot better than people think he is," Hayes said. "He's a very good player, No. 1. And No. 2, he's going to have that type of impact of it's not just on the field, it's in the locker room."
Oklahoma's defense established itself last year as one of the better ones in the country, ranking 19th in total defense and 29th in scoring defense. The return of preseason second-team All-SEC defensive end R Mason Thomas and safety Robert Spears-Jennings should trend the 2025 unit in the same direction.
OU opens the season August 30 at home against FCS Illinois State.
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