The Cleveland Browns are set to start their season on Sunday, but before they take the field, there's a Top 25 matchup in college football on Saturday with some intriguing 2026 NFL Draft prospects.
Saturday night at 7:30 PM, #15 Michigan takes on #18 Oklahoma, and there's a quarterback amongst the prospects that Browns fans should be watching closely. The Browns will turn over every rock in search of the team's franchise quarterback, and though this class still needs to grow, there is plenty of talent, and that was shown in the opening weekend of college football.
Here are three prospects to keep an eye on this weekend when the Wolverines take on the Sooners in a game that is sure to be a fun one with two talented teams doing battle in primetime.
John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma
If someone were to describe how Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer plays the position with just one word, it would be, wildman. Mateer has elite arm talent; the ball just jumps off his hand, and he's a great athlete who can not just extend plays with his legs but can do major damage running with the ball. But his decision-making needs some work; there isn't a throw he doesn't think he can make, and that leads to some questionable decisions at best.
Taking fewer risks and fixing his footwork is something Mateer has to accomplish this year, but he absolutely has the physical talent to be an NFL quarterback. Mateer had a great game to start the season, completing 30 of 37 passes for 392 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. He also added 24 yards on the ground and a touchdown, but it was against Illinois State. Now he faces a bigger test going against Michigan, and if he can replicate last week's success, he may start to climb draft boards.