Former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban is backing one of his former players, cornerback Terrion Arnold, amid a criminal investigation. Per Bama247's Mike Rodak, Arnold "was arrested last week on felony charges that include kidnapping and armed robbery stemming from a February incident for which multiple others were arrested." Rodak was able to get a hold of Saban's letter to a Florida judge overseeing the case.
Elsewhere, Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer revealed how unsatisfied he is with how the 2025 season shook out. While OU made the CFP, Mateer's Sooners were bounced by Alabama in the first round in a 34-24 loss in Norman.
These were the headlines that defined the final days of June:
Nick Saban shares testimony to Florida judge on Terrion Arnold
Saban backed Arnold in a letter in which he admitted he's not fully aware of what Arnold is being charged with.
"Based on my experiences with Terrion, I remain committed to supporting him. While I'm not overly familiar with or educated on the charges he is facing, and understand the seriousness of his situation before the court, I would respectfully ask the Court to take into account my experience with Terrion, his character, history and the positive impact he had on our program," Saban said in the letter.
Arnold was released by the Detroit Lions this past week as he battles eight felony charges for his alleged role in the aforementioned assault/robbery. While Arnold is restricted from traveling, there's an exception for legal appointments or NFL-related activities. Arnold must stay at his Tallahassee home. The other defendants are still in jail.
John Mateer is unsatisfied with Oklahoma's CFP appearance
Mateer has made waves this week talking about how he played through a hand injury he probably shouldn't have during the 2025 season. Mateer suffered the injury during a 24-17 win over the Auburn Tigers in Norman last September.
While speaking to On3's Wilson Alexander, Mateer called the CFP appearance "cute," but revealed that he is hoping to do more during the 2026 season. Mateer is out of eligibility after this upcoming fall.
"It’s cute. You know, it’s up there. But everybody’s like, 'No, that’s not the goal.' So, there’s a couple things like that, which from an outside piece, it’s like, 'Oh, that’s great. 
You made the playoff.' But it’s like, no, it’s not," Mateer said.
The competitive edge from Mateer is exactly what you want from a starting QB. It's clear that over the offseason, Mateer bulked up and hit the gym with an agenda. He looked massive at the Manning Passing Academy in Thibodeaux, Louisiana, this past weekend.
Mateer holds the fates of Ben Arbuckle and Brent Venables in his hands this season. If the offense doesn't look good, it's possible Arbuckle is shown the door. If it wasn't for the defense, the Sooners would've been in very bad shape last year.
Meanwhile, Venables needs another CFP appearance to avoid the hot seat. With the margins so thin in the SEC, Mateer needs to make sure he executes late in close contests in conference play. Venables can't afford a step back with so much institutional spending. He certainly can't afford to continue slipping in the 2027 recruiting rankings. OU used to be No. 1 but is falling behind schools like the Texas A&M Aggies, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and Miami Hurricanes.
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