After John Mateer, Oklahoma brings in another QB to bolster offensive depth 

The Oklahoma Sooners have proven to be reliable quarterbacks over the years. From Baker Mayfield to Kyler Murray, the Sooners are a program that places a premium on building its offense around elite quarterbacks.

It's perhaps unsurprising then that the Sooners have added Cole Gonzales to their QB carousel via the transfer portal, as per On3's Hayes Fawcett.

Here's a closer look at Gonzalez and what he brings to the program.

Who is Cole Gonzales?

Cole Gonzales is a quarterback fresh out of Western Carolina. Gonzales featured in 22 games for the Catamounts, recording a stat line of 6,445 passing yards, 49 TDs and 20 interceptions.

Gonzales endured a mixed 2024, which saw him post 2,545 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. This was a significant drop from his 2023 stats and marked the beginning of the end of his time at Western Carolina.

He announced his intention to enter the transfer portal shortly after the end of the 2024 regular season, and he had his fair share of potential landing spots. However, he chose to enroll at the Sooners and prove that he's not merely a big fish in a small pond.

What does Cole Gonzales bring to the Oklahoma Sooners?

Gonzales brings ball security, experience and accuracy to the Sooners' quarterback depth chart. He is sturdy in the pocket and has showcased his fearlessness throughout his collegiate football career.

Oklahoma is preparing for a battle for the QB1 spot in the 2025 season following the departure of Jackson Arnold to Auburn. Freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. and portal transfers Gonzales and John Mateer are in the running. Furthermore, incoming freshman Jett Niu will also aim for a spot.

However, before the Sooners begin permutation for next season, they'll need to navigate a potentially tricky Bowl Game against the Navy Midshipmen. Hawkins Jr. will likely start in the game, and he'll look to give a great account of himself ahead of a significant quarterback battle in the offseason.