Steelers Now
With the Pittsburgh Steelers in the market for a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, Steelers Now will be taking stock of the draft class every week of the 2025 college football season.
STOCK UP: John Mateer, Oklahoma
Mateer is a roller coaster this season. After having a stock hit a couple times this season, he managed to lead Oklahoma to a victory over ranked SEC-foe Missouri. It wasn’t always pretty, but he put the team on his shoulders.
John Mateer gets a lot of grief, but this is really good.
Finds a throwing lane. Patience. Gets it around the LB. Perfect delivery.
Sategna is a game breaker too. #Sooners pic.twitter.com/x7sHdvq6uO
— TJ Eckert (@TJEckertKJRH) November 22, 2025
Despite throwing for less than 50% completion rate, Mateer threw the team’s only two scores. Couple that with carrying the ball 18 times and you have a signal caller who battled throughout the game.
To Mateer’s credit, he has gutted out his hand injury and led his team to victories. It is a long way until the draft. His biggest opportunity to boost his stock will come in the postseason as Oklahoma could punch their ticket into the playoffs soon.
MDDB Ranking: Week 13, No. 70, QB8
Season Stats: 198-of-318 (62.3% comp. rate), 2260 yards (7.9 yards/attempt), 10 TD, 7 INT
STOCK DOWN: Ty Simpson, Alabama
Simpson might have ultimately led the Crimson Tide to a victory, but don’t be fooled by the score board. His performance was ugly. A week after getting tested by the Oklahoma defense, Simpson appeared to be back down to Earth against Eastern Illinois.
Bama beat Eastern Illinois 56-0 but Ty Simpson 😬 pic.twitter.com/JmoAjbwlgx
— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) November 23, 2025
He didn’t eclipse the 200-yard mark, didn’t record a score, and threw two interceptions. He also recorded his lowest QBR since week one. While his whole body of work has been impressive this season, the last two weeks are a little concerning.
Next week will be very intriguing and could be a huge test. The Auburn Tigers will host their hated rivals with not only a chance to make themselves bowl eligible… but spoil Alabama’s postseason bid. Things get hectic down in the plains…
MDDB Ranking: Week 13, No. 4, QB2
Season Stats: 237-of-354 (67% comp. rate), 2934 yards (8.3 yards/attempt), 22 TD, 4 INT
WORTH NOTING: Jayden Maiava vs Dante Moore
Dante Moore and Jayden Maiava put on a SHOW 🔥 pic.twitter.com/M8fT0HdX7O
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) November 23, 2025
This game is the game the Steelers reportedly got a close look at both of these on-the-rise prospects. Though the Oregon Ducks came away with a 42-27 victory, Maiava showed why he is a rising prospect.
With three touchdowns and over 300 yards passing, Maiava could be a dark horse Steelers first-round pick. Moore’s performance also impressed with a completion rate north of 70% and a pair of touchdown throws.
Could the Steelers have...
