The Los Angeles Rams are undefeated to open the 2025 season, a start that has stirred optimism in Southern California. Yet even amid that strong beginning, speculation about the franchise’s future is already taking shape. With Matthew Stafford approaching the twilight of his career, conversations around who might eventually succeed him have grown louder — and one rising college star is quickly becoming a name to watch.
The Stafford Question
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Stafford has looked sharp early, guiding the Rams to a 2-0 record, including a bounce-back win against the Tennessee Titans. Still, the reality of a 37-year-old quarterback leading a contender looms over the franchise. As James Fragoza of PFSN explained, “Matthew Stafford’s time as an NFL starting QB is counting down faster than the Los Angeles Rams likely wish to admit.”
That sense of urgency is heightened by the team’s draft outlook. Thanks to a draft day trade, the Rams own the Atlanta Falcons’ 2026 first-round pick. If Atlanta’s inconsistency continues, Los Angeles could find itself with two premium draft slots — an opportunity to both reinforce the roster and secure its next quarterback.
John Mateer’s Meteoric Rise
Among the prospects generating buzz, Oklahoma’s John Mateer has quickly separated himself from the pack. After transferring from Washington State, where he threw for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024, Mateer has already delivered statement performances for the Sooners. His Week 2 effort against Michigan included 266 passing yards, 76 rushing yards, and three total touchdowns in a marquee upset.
His dual-threat ability makes him a tantalizing option for NFL teams. “John’s always been a gamer,” Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle told The Athletic. “The best thing about him is that he’s never lost that mentality and that gamer style of play, but he’s just gotten smarter about when to use it.”
Mateer’s leadership has also stood out. He was named a captain before taking a snap in Norman and set a program record for passing yards in his debut, surpassing Baker Mayfield. Despite lucrative NIL offers during his transfer process, Mateer emphasized fit over money. “They were throwing some freaking money at me, man, oh my god,” he told ESPN. “But it wasn’t about that. The money was always going to come. The scheme and the fit had to be right.”
Draft Analysts Begin to Connect the Dots
Mock drafts have started linking Mateer directly to the Rams. PFSN analyst Joe DeLeone projected Los Angeles to grab him in the third round of his latest 2026 mock. Others, including ESPN’s Todd McShay, believe Mateer’s ceiling could push him into the first round if his current trajectory holds.
“Mateer is a breathtaking prospect to study in all the ways,” McShay said. “He’s an undersized playmaker with undeniable suddenness and speed. He has a snap release with energy on the ball no matter the arm angle or body contortion on delivery.”
While scouts note areas for refinement — including footwork and decision-making — his raw tools fit the mold of a Sean McVay quarterback: explosive, creative, and capable of extending plays without abandoning structure.
Why the Rams Are Watching Closely
It’s not surprising that Los Angeles had evaluators on hand for Oklahoma’s win over Michigan. The franchise has to balance competing now with planning for the inevitable transition at quarterback. Stafford may still have enough left in the tank for another season or two, but the Rams have no clear long-term answer behind him.
Mateer, who has already accounted for 59 career touchdowns across his time at Washington State and Oklahoma, represents the kind of dynamic prospect who could learn behind Stafford before eventually taking over. With two first-round picks in 2026, the Rams have both flexibility and urgency to get this decision right.
The Bigger Picture
As Stafford continues to lead an 11th-ranked offense, the Rams are still firmly in the contender’s conversation. But as Fragoza put it, the countdown has begun. Whether it’s in the first round or a later pick, Los Angeles seems destined to come out of the 2026 draft with a new quarterback.
And if John Mateer keeps delivering highlight-reel moments like his early-season heroics, he may just become more than a “flavor of the week.” He could be the bridge to the Rams’ next era.
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