Mateer isn’t alone in delaying his pro debut—other hype-filled quarterbacks from 2025 are also returning to college, including Oregon’s Dante Moore, Texas’ Arch Manning, and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, further thinning the 2026 quarterback landscape. 📚🔄🏃♂️
Previously linked to Pittsburgh, Mateer had been projected by CBS Sports to land with the Steelers around No. 13 overall, praised for elite arm talent and dual-threat ability, including 826 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns at Washington State in 2024. 🗺️💪🏽🏈
But 2025 was a step back: Mateer posted fewer passing yards and TDs, more interceptions, and his rushing numbers dipped. A hand injury during the season likely contributed to the decline, though he returned after surgery. 🩹📉😕
With Mateer and Moore out of the 2026 mix, Mendoza stands out as the clear top first-rounder, while Ty Simpson, Trinidad Chambliss, Drew Allar, and Cade Klubnik are viewed as the next-best options. The Steelers hold the No. 21 overall pick, which could make landing a true franchise QB difficult, possibly nudging the team toward free agency or waiting for a future draft—depending on the next head coach. 🧭🏆🤔
