By Mark Pszonak
In today’s Fact or Fiction – Portal Edition – I look at three transfer related topics and decide whether the statement is indeed FACT or FICTION.
QB John Mateer will disappoint with Oklahoma
Mark’s take: FICTION
Excitement was very high in Norman after Mateer transferred to the Sooners and this has continued to grow after his impressive showing during the spring. Having his offensive coordinator from Washington State, Ben Arbuckle, with him at Oklahoma has quickly helped him make a smooth transition. Mateer also already looks poised and confident despite only being on the team for five months. The Sooners’ schedule is extremely difficult so it may still be a tough season in Norman, but it won’t be because of Mateer’s play.
TE Max Klare will be an All-American this season with Ohio State
Mark’s take: FACT
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Despite grabbing 51 receptions for 685 yards and four touchdowns during the 2024 season, it was easy for Klare to fly under the radar at Purdue due to the Boilermakers’ 1-11 season. Now he arrives at Ohio State, which just won a National Championship. While the Buckeyes don’t generally make the tight end a priority in their offense, Klare is a perfect fit for their current situation. Ohio State will be breaking in a new quarterback, who could use a reliable safety blanket like Klare. Plus his underneath production can open the door for more big plays from All-American wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Having an All-American tight end will only make things easier for Smith.
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RB Makhi Hughes will lead the Big Ten in rushing
Mark’s take: FACT
The top four Big Ten running backs from 2024 are now in the NFL, including Jordan James of Oregon, while the fifth and sixth are Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, who once again will split carries and production at Penn State in 2025. That leaves the chase for the rushing title in the Big Ten wide open. Hughes arrives in Eugene after rushing for 2,779 yards and 30 touchdowns during his two seasons with Tulane. He also joins an offense with a new starter at quarterback, likely Dante Moore, so he will be relied on heavily throughout the season. Expect Hughes to be one of the top backs in the country in 2025.
