• Loading stock data...
Monday, October 6, 2025

Oklahoma-Michigan Was a Battle of Dueling QB NIL Philosophies

Bryce Underwood, this year’s No. 1–ranked high school recruit, battled with John Mateer, the top-ranked transfer.

The Oklahoman

Michigan and Oklahoma’s battle in Week 2 of the college football season featured a quarterback duel that highlighted contrasting philosophies. The Wolverines invested in 18-year-old true freshman Bryce Underwood, this year’s top-ranked high-school recruit, while the Sooners relied on No. 1 transfer and redshirt junior John Mateer.

The veteran prevailed.

No. 18 Oklahoma defeated No. 15 Michigan 24–13 on Saturday, and Mateer led the way for the Sooner with 270 passing yards and a touchdown. The 21-year-old transferred to Oklahoma from Washington State, where he had a breakout 2024 after two seasons backing up Cam Ward, who would eventually become the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

According to ESPN, Mateer is expected to make somewhere between $2.4 and $3 million in his first season at Oklahoma.

That estimate is in the ballpark of the estimated average annual value of Underwood’s four-year contract with Michigan. The deal was believed to be worth at least $10 million last fall, but On3 reported ahead of the season that it could be as high as $12.5 million. The unprecedented deal was funded by billionaire media and tech tycoon Larry Ellison.

However, after throwing for more than 250 yards and a touchdown against New Mexico in Week 1, the five-star quarterback was limited to 9-of-24 passing (37.5%), 142 yards, and zero touchdowns against the Sooners.

He also appeared to get into an intense exchange with running back Justice Haynes after the team struggled to convert in the red zone. Haynes is a junior transfer from Alabama.

Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said after the game that the two were “fine” after talking it through. “It’s competitive. They both want to be right,” Moore said.

Fortunately for Michigan, they have time to be patient with Underwood. The Wolverines will not face another ranked team until their final game, when they battle their archrival, No. 1–ranked Ohio State, on Nov. 29.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mark Sanchez Charged With New Felony in Indianapolis Case

The broadcaster and ex-NFL quarterback faces up to six years in prison.
Oct 4, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) passes the ball during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Rose Bowl.

The Improbability of UCLA’s Incredible Upset Win Against Penn State

Before UCLA beat Penn State, donors were deeply unhappy.
Sep 27, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin reacts during the fourth quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Beaver Stadium.

Penn State Has a $50 Million James Franklin Problem

Franklin’s team lost to unranked UCLA on Saturday despite being heavy favorites.

NFL London Fans Get Partial Refunds After Ticket App Glitches

Fans experienced delays entering the Vikings-Browns game.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.

CFB’s New Parity Era: Penn State, Texas Top-25 Exits Signal Shift

Penn State and Texas fall entirely out of the top-25 rankings.
Florida State defensive back Renardo Green (8) tackles Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr. (22) during a college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida.
October 2, 2025

Miami–Florida State Rivalry Heats Up With Priciest Ticket in CFB

The get-in price for Saturday’s matchup in Tallahassee is more than $300.
Cody Campbell
October 4, 2025

Fox, ABC Reject Ad Accusing Power Conference Commissioners of Greed

Cody Campbell said the ads were pulled after he paid for them.
Sponsored

How Soccer Star Jozy Altidore Became a Buffalo Bills Owner

Jozy Altidore discusses building a business legacy off the field.
exclusive
October 2, 2025

Opendorse Is Taking Over Parts of Failed NIL Collective Operator SANIL

SANIL abruptly shut down its operations this week.
October 2, 2025

Big Ten’s $2B Private-Equity Deal Talks Face Michigan Resistance 

The conference is in discussions for a private-capital deal of around $2 billion.
Sep 27, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; A detail view of the SEC logo on a chain marker during the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Auburn Tigers at Kyle Field.
exclusive
October 1, 2025

Fed-Up NIL Collectives Are Bypassing NIL Deal Approval Process

“I have deep concerns as to the longevity of this system.”
Sep 26, 2025; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers flags fly after they score in the third quarter against the Houston Cougars at Reser Stadium.
October 1, 2025

Mountain West’s Motion to Dismiss Pac-12 Lawsuit Over Poaching Fees Denied

The Pac-12 wants to avoid having to pay the Mountain West $55 million.