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

NORMAN – When Oklahoma signed Bowe Bentley, a category of 2026 blue-chip quarterback, the idea was that he would again up John Mateer.

That assumption did not account for Whitt Newbauer, who was the third-string quarterback in 2025 after transferring from Mercer. Newbauer’s offseason has proven a whole lot of progress for the third-year quarterback.

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Between him and Bentley, the battle for the again up quarterback spot nonetheless marches on. Bentley’s first offseason in faculty has had ups and downs, whereas Newbauer has discovered a rhythm with added expertise.

“(Newbauer) and Bowegoing 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 studying expertise has been reciprocal between the starter and backup.

“(Mateer’s) been great,” Newbauer stated. “He’s been balling out. It’s awesome being in the same room as him, learning every day for him. It’s been great.”

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It could appear unimportant for Mateer to make use of some knowledge upon somebody under him on the depth chart. The query might be requested of how that would presumably assist the Sooners’ trigger in 2026.

Maturity and management out of your beginning quarterback does go a good distance in attempting to navigate a difficult schedule. It additionally helps construct extra group chemistry. There’s nothing improper with it. But it additionally has helped Newbauer develop.

“(I’m) definitely more confident in the offense for sure, knowing where everyone is, what to do,” Newbauer stated. “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 really bodily participant, having a reliable backup within the occasion an ankle roll happens is not the worst factor on the planet. Newbauer has even grown some chemistry with reserve pass catchers who hope to see the sector in 2026.

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

“(Jahsiear Rogers) is studying day-after-day. He’s all the time asking questions attempting to get higher. He’s an ideal goal for me to go to. I really like him,” he added.

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This article was initially printed on www.si.com/faculty/oklahoma as In Battle for Oklahoma’s QB2 Spot, Whitt Newbauer Has Been ‘Fun to Watch’.