In Battle for Oklahoma's QB2 Spot, Whitt Newbauer Has Been 'Fun to Watch'

NORMAN — When Oklahoma signed Bowe Bentley, a class of 2026 blue-chip quarterback, the assumption was that he would back up John Mateer.

That assumption didn't account for Whitt Newbauer, who was the third-string quarterback in 2025 after transferring from Mercer. Newbauer's offseason has shown a lot of growth for the third-year quarterback.

Between him and Bentley, the battle for the back up quarterback spot still marches on. Bentley's first offseason in college has had ups and downs, while Newbauer has found a rhythm with added experience.

"(Newbauer) and Bowe going at it, it was fun to watch for me," Mateer said on Friday. "I love both of them. Seeing both of them succeed, they both get excited for each other, and they learn from each other and with each other, and I learn from them too. It's fun to watch.”

The learning experience has been reciprocal between the starter and backup.

"(Mateer's) been great," Newbauer said. "He's been balling out. It's awesome being in the same room as him, learning every day for him. It's been great."

It may seem unimportant for Mateer to employ some wisdom upon someone below him on the depth chart. The question could be asked of how that could possibly help the Sooners' cause in 2026.

Maturity and leadership from your starting quarterback does go a long way in trying to navigate a difficult schedule. It also helps build more team chemistry. There's nothing wrong with it. But it also has helped Newbauer develop.

"(I'm) definitely more confident in the offense for sure, knowing where everyone is, what to do," Newbauer said. "Big thing is just the film room, knowing the defense, knowing where I'm going with the ball pre-snap.”

Considering that Mateer is a very physical player, having a competent backup in the event an ankle roll occurs isn't the worst thing in the world. Newbauer has even grown some chemistry with reserve pass catchers who hope to see the field in 2026.

"(Elijah Thomas and Manny Choice are) great receivers," Newbauer said. "Both looking to have a good season this year but yeah, they've had a great fall camp so far.

"(Jahsiear Rogers) is learning every day. He's always asking questions trying to get better. He's a great target for me to go to. I love him,” he added.

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