Oklahoma Quarterback Denies 2022 Venmo Transactions Involved in Wagering on UCLA-USC Game
John Mateer Sports Gambling Allegations: Oklahoma University Investigates, No Verified Evidence Surfaces
John Mateer, a football player who transferred from Washington State to Oklahoma University after the 2023 season, finds himself at the centre of a controversial situation. Allegations that he engaged in sports gambling via Venmo have been circulating since August 2025, but the claims remain unverified, with Mateer himself publicly denying them.
The allegations came to light when Venmo transactions surfaced, showing payments with memos like “sports gambling,” including one related to a 2022 college football game. However, Mateer insists these memos did not accurately portray the transactions and were merely joke references, not actual bets.
Under Oklahoma and NCAA rules, athletes are prohibited from betting on any college sport. Violations can lead to suspensions or loss of eligibility. The university has stated it has no reason to believe Mateer engaged in gambling but is taking the matter seriously and investigating.
Mateer, a freshman at the time of the alleged payments, has deleted the transactions from Venmo after the issue gained attention. As of the latest information (late August 2025), no verified evidence has surfaced confirming Mateer gambled, and the investigation is ongoing without public results.
The NCAA has not issued a statement about the situation. The NCAA prohibits student-athletes from placing bets on both professional and college sports. It's worth noting that the transactions in question have been removed from Venmo.
Meanwhile, Mateer's twin brothers, Roaten and Luke, now play football at Abilene Christian University. The allegations against Mateer remain unconfirmed, and no formal action has been announced. As of the current rules, no changes have been implemented to allow bets on professional leagues.
The university officials are reviewing the situation regarding Mateer. Any confirmed violations of NCAA rules can result in suspensions or loss of eligibility. The public awaits the outcome of the investigation, hoping for a clear resolution to this ongoing controversy.
John Mateer's denial of sports-betting allegations doesn't seem to have quelled the investigation, as Oklahoma University continues to review the situation. Despite the unverified evidence, the prohibition of student-athletes from betting on any college sport remains in effect, potentially resulting in suspensions or loss of eligibility.
