Mateer had an incredible year for the Cougars, posting 3,965 total yards, an FBS-leading 44 total touchdowns (29 passing, 15 rushing), a 164.1 passer rating, and a 71.3 quarterback rating.
"John will be the most sought-after player in the portal. I think he's gonna be the best player in the country next year. He informed us he is in fact going to hit the portal," said Washington State coach Jake Dickert.
Mateer's breakout season comes after Heisman finalist Cam Ward left for Miami (FL). Now, the quarterback will look to do something similar.
"I'm excited for him," Ward said before the Heisman ceremony of Mateer. "He sat behind me for two years and me and John (were) just locked in, locked in for life.
And I can just tell the biggest thing he got better at over the course of the season was staying in the pocket and winning from the pocket even more down the stretch. He's accurate with the football. I think he'll end up being one of the best quarterbacks in the country next year."
The Texas native will now be looking for a program where he can build success over his next two years of eligibility, possibly entering the NFL draft after next season due to a weak class.