Oklahoma Sooners fend off coaching legend to land transfer QB John Mateer

Oklahoma Sooners hold off late recruiting push from Bill Belichick for the nation’s top transfer portal quarterback John Mateer.

The Oklahoma Sooners waded deep into the [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag] to earn a commitment from the top quarterback in the class, John Mateer. Mateer led the nation in total touchdowns with 44 and accounted for nearly 4,000 yards of offense.

The Sooners added a dynamic weapon to help lead their offense under new offensive coordinator [autotag]Ben Arbuckle[/autotag]. Though the connection to his former offensive coordinator proved significant, the Sooners faced challengers on the recruiting trail.

The Miami Hurricanes, who’d found great success with another former Washington State and Ben Arbuckle product, Heisman finalist Cam Ward, attempted to lure Mateer to South Beach. But they weren’t the only ones making a play for the dynamic dual-threat quarterback.

According to Georgia Stoia of SoonerScoop and On3 and radio play-by-play voice for the Oklahoma Sooners, Toby Rowland, the Sooners had to withstand a late push from legendary head coach Bill Belichick.

The former New England Patriots six-time Super Bowl champion, now with the North Carolina Tar Heels, reportedly appealed for Mateer to come to UNC. However, a pitch from former Sooners Heisman winner Baker Mayfield sealed the deal for Mateer to commit to Oklahoma.

Mateer signed a name, image, and likeness deal with the 1Oklahoma collective, who released this Christmas-inspired video announcing the agreement.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDvUrVOuM8T/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Oklahoma had a lot in its favor in this recruiting battle, but they still had to fend off pushes from Miami, who’s been very effective in the transfer portal market and a legend of the game in Bill Belichick. It was a team approach from the coaching staff and players to a Sooner legend, and the 1Oklahoma collective to push this recruitment over the finish line.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.

How Ohio State football would matchup with Miami in CFP quarterfinal

Ohio State football is wildly projected to be the No. 5 seed and would then face Miami in the quarterfinal. How would it match up?

The College Football Playoff rankings are out, and despite losing Miami still remains as the favorite to win the ACC. Ohio State is pegged as the best non-conference champion with Oregon still expected to take the Big Ten.

In the scenario that is widely projected as of now, the Buckeyes would take on a team like Boise State or Alabama in the first round. A win would mean the Buckeyes would see the Miami Hurricanes in the quarterfinal as they will more than likely be the No. 4 seed if they win the ACC.

Let’s assuming that becomes reality. How does Ohio State match up with Miami? Well, Miami is led by QB Cam Ward, who has done it all and has 3,494 passing yards on the season.

No rusher for Miami has over 700, so it is certainly a pass-heavy side, one that lives or dies by Ward’s play. Ohio State ranks 22nd in the nation in opponents’ average passer rating. Of 134 programs, that’s a pretty solid rank and shows a capable secondary.

Defensively, it has allowed 31 or more four times, to Duke, Louisville, California and Virginia Tech.

Louisville is probably the best among those teams, and QB Tyler Shough went for 342 passing yards and four touchdowns while the Cardinals racked up just 106 rushing yards. Against Georgia Tech, in Miami’s lone loss, it was the opposite as it gave up 271 yards on the ground.

That said, Ohio State may have its options when it comes to how it wants to pick apart Miami. At the end of the day, the Hurricanes performances this season is more about their offensive showing and stopping Ward.

If Ohio State can do that, it would, in this scenario, be able to advance and be one of the four teams left standing.

How to buy Miami Hurricanes vs Florida State Seminoles football tickets

Want to watch the Miami Hurricanes vs Florida State Seminoles in person on Saturday, Oct. 26? Tickets still remain for as little as $90.

There will be a Sunshine State showdown this coming weekend between a pair of college football blue bloods when the Miami Hurricanes and Florida State Seminoles collide in South Florida, and if you want to see the epic battle in person, here are the ticket details you need to know.

The ‘Canes came out of the gates howling this fall and have not let up since its Week 1 win over the Florida Gators in the Swamp. Miami comes into the weekend ranked fifth in the US LBM Coaches Poll with a 7-0 overall record and a 3-0 mark in Atlantic Conference play.

The ‘Noles have been the polar opposite, logging an immensely disappointing 1-6 total tally, with the lone win coming in six tries against a fellow conference school, the California Golden Bears, at home in Week 3.

The Miami Hurricanes will host the Florida State Seminoles on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. ET.

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How to buy Miami vs Florida State football tickets

The Miami-Florida State matchup is one that often is independent of the respective records coming into the game. Between the in-state bragging rights and ACC standings, there is plenty to play for this weekend.

At the time of publication, the cheapest available tickets for the Miami Hurricanes vs Florida State Seminoles are $90.

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How to buy South Florida vs. Miami college football tickets

Want to watch the South Florida Bulls vs. Miami Hurricanes in person on Saturday, Sept. 21? Tickets still remain for as little as $43.

The South Florida Bulls welcome the Miami Hurricanes to Tampa this Saturday for some college football action in Week 4 between two Sunshine State rivals, and if you want to catch the game inside Raymond James Stadium, we have what you need to know.

The Bulls are 2-1 this season so far with a pair of wins over the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats and Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles, sandwiched around a hard-fought loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The ‘Canes are riding high on their early-season success with authoritative wins over the Florida Gators, Florida A&M Rattlers and Ball State Cardinals for a 3-0 mark. Miami is just outside of the top 10 in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll at No. 11 this week.

The South Florida Bulls will host the Miami Hurricanes on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. ET and limited tickets still remain.

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How to buy USF vs Miami football tickets

The Hurricanes have looked locked in the first few weeks of the season but they cannot afford to have a mental letdown on the road to their in-state foe. USF has what it takes to pull the upset and seeing that happen in the flesh is about as good as it gets.

At the time of publication, the cheapest available tickets for the South Florida Bulls vs Miami Hurricanes are $43.

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How to buy Florida Gators vs. Miami Hurricanes tickets

Want to watch the Florida Gators vs. Miami Hurricanes in person on Saturday, Aug. 31? Tickets still remain for as little as $163.

The Florida Gators host their in-state rivals the Miami Hurricanes on Saturday in the Swamp, and if you are looking to get in on the opening game action, you have come to the right place.

Both Florida and Miami have third-year head coaches on the sidelines looking to restore their respective programs back to national title contenders. The Gators have put together three straight losing seasons and face one of the hardest schedules this fall while the ‘Canes are coming off a 7-6 campaign and are ranked No. 19 in the US LBM Coaches Poll.

Florida Gators will host Miami Hurricanes on Saturday, Aug. 31, at 3:30 p.m. ET.

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How to buy Florida vs Miami football tickets

While these two schools do not play regularly anymore, once upon a time this was a thriving rivalry between two institutions with no love for each other. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is among the best college football venues in the country and you do not want to miss a marquee matchup like this one to kick off the season.

At the time of publication, the cheapest available tickets for the Florida Gators vs Miami Hurricanes are $163.

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How to buy Florida Gators vs. Miami Hurricanes college football tickets

Want to watch the Florida Gators vs. Miami Hurricanes in person on Saturday, Aug. 31? Tickets still remain for as little as $163.

The Florida Gators host their in-state rivals the Miami Hurricanes on Saturday in the Swamp, and if you are looking to get in on the opening game action, you have come to the right place.

Both Florida and Miami have third-year head coaches on the sidelines looking to restore their respective programs back to national title contenders. The Gators have put together three straight losing seasons and face one of the hardest schedules this fall while the ‘Canes are coming off a 7-6 campaign and are ranked No. 19 in the US LBM Coaches Poll.

Florida Gators will host Miami Hurricanes on Saturday, Aug. 31, at 3:30 p.m. ET.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Florida Gators vs. Miami Hurricanes tickets” link=”https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/0e93wqk”]

How to buy Florida vs Miami football tickets

While these two schools do not play regularly anymore, once upon a time this was a thriving rivalry between two institutions with no love for each other. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is among the best college football venues in the country and you do not want to miss a marquee matchup like this one to kick off the season.

At the time of publication, the cheapest available tickets for the Florida Gators vs Miami Hurricanes are $163.

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4-star safety Bryce Fitzgerald commits to Miami Hurricanes

A massive get for the Hurricanes and head coach Mario Cristobal.

Miami has quietly put together another top 10 recruiting class in 2025. That class took another big step forward Saturday night thanks to a commitment from an area standout.

Columbus High School (Miami, Fla.) four-star safety Bryce Fitzgerald announced he was staying home with his commitment to the Hurricanes.

The 6-foot-0.5, 172-pound safety out of Columbus chose Miami over Florida, Georgia, LSU and USC.

According to the 247Sports Composite Ranking, Fitzgerald ranks as the No. 130 prospect in the 2025 class, He ranks as the class’ No. 12 safety and the No. 21 player out of Florida.

Cristobal winning in the Sunshine State

Being located where they are, recruiting the best talent out of Florida has been a must for head coach Mario Cristobal and his class.

After landing the nation’s No. 6 class in the 2024 cycle, the Hurricane’s top-10 2025 class heavily features several in-state prospects.

Of Miami’s 22 pledges, 14 come from the Sunshine State.

The group is highlighted by a trio of top-100 recruits. That includes Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) defensive lineman Seuseu Alofaituli, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) linebacker Gavin Nix and four-star athlete Hylton Stubbs out of Mandarin High School in Jacksonville.

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4-star lineman Seuseu Alofaituli commits to Miami Hurricanes

Another big commit for Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes.

The Miami Hurricanes have continued an impressive run on the recruiting trail recently, adding four-star offensive lineman Seuseu Alofaituli out of high school football powerhouse Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.)

SJ made his official announcement on X, formerly Twitter, picking the Hurricanes over notable programs such as Nebraska and Michigan.

Alofaituli is the latest significant commit for head coach Mario Cristobal’s recruiting classes, which also includes four-star quarterback Dereon Coleman (class of 2026) and safety Hylton Stubbs (class of 2025).

The 6-foot-3, 280-pound talent will look to make a massive impact on sustaining a Hurricanes offensive line group that has been praised as one of—if not the—best in the ACC this season and includes five newcomers to the roster.

With a college-ready level of ability, he also fits the mission offensive line assistant coach Alex Mirabal and Cristobal have in recruiting linemen: Bring in as many big bodies as possible and turn them into difference-makers in the trenches.

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Houston WR Sam Brown has announced his transfer destination

Texas A&M loses out on another wide receiver transfer with former Houston WR choosing Miami over A&M

It’s been no secret that Texas A&M has been trying to add a wide receiver or two during the spring transfer window. Yes, A&M does have a talented receiver room, but when you look deeper there is no true number one or proven depth at the position. With that knowledge, head Mike Elko and OC Collin Klein went to the portal to try to bolster the receiver room.

Two WRs the Aggies had their eye on were former Penn State receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith and former Houston receiver Sam Brown. After making the final two for Lambert-Smith he ultimately chose Auburn over A&M. That left the highly productive Houston product in play. Unfortunately for the Aggies, Brown also chose to head to Miami instead of College Station.

Brown closed out his Houston career with 1,200+ yards and 7 touchdowns in his last two years with the Cougars. However, A&M has not given up yet and will host former Auburn receiver Ja’Varrius Johnson on May 3. Maybe the third time will be the charm.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on Twitter: @whosnextsports1.

Former Browns RB Duke Johnson joins Hurricanes’ coaching staff

As his playing career has dwindled, former Browns running back Duke Johnson has begun down the journey of coaching.

After a year where he did not log a carry or catch, former Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson is taking on a new career.

Johnson is heading back to his alma mater, where he holds the record for career rushing yards. According to Marcus Benjamin of Rivals, Miami Hurricanes’ head coach Mario Cristobal has stated that Johnson will join his staff as a student assistant this season.

During his time with the Browns, Johnson was known as the best playmaker in some of their worst years. As both a runner and receiver, Johnson made a significant impact on the field while wearing brown and orange. During his four years in Cleveland, Johnson amassed over 1,200 yards rushing, nearly 2,200 yards receiving, and a total of 13 touchdowns.

After being traded to the Houston Texans in 2019, Johnson bounced around to Miami and Buffalo afterward before playing his last regular season snap in 2022.

Best of luck to Duke as he begins down a new path!