Oklahoma fans got some tough news on starting quarterback John Mateer this week after leading the program to a big win over Auburn last Saturday.
Mateer injured his throwing hand during that game, and the school announced that he would need surgery on it.
“After consulting with medical experts, it became clear that surgery is the best option for John and his short- and long-term future,” Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables said in a statement, via SoonerSports.com. “He’s extremely disappointed he will miss some game action, but is eager to correct the issue and move forward. As he is with everything, we know he will be aggressive with his rehabilitation and work to return to the field as quickly as possible.”
Mateer underwent surgery on Wednesday and confirmed on Thursday that everything went smoothly.
“Thank God for a successful procedure. Dr. Shin is the GOAT. BOOMER SOONER!!” Mateer tweeted.
Mateer helped Oklahoma win its first four games of the season before suffering the hand injury. He has already compiled 1,215 yards through the air, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. This is his first season with the program after spending the previous three seasons at Washington State.
He’s expected to return to the Sooners later in the season.
Brent Venables confirms new starting quarterback with John Mateer out
With Mateer on the mend, Venables and Co. will turn to sophomore Michael Hawkins Jr. at quarterback. Hawkins Jr. will make his first start of the season on October 4 against the Kent State Golden Flashes since the Sooners have their bye week this weekend.
Hawkins Jr. has played in seven career games, compiling 788 passing yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. Assuming the Sooners win on October 4, they’d be 5-0, setting up a huge matchup against the Texas Longhorns in the Red River Rivalry on October 11.
Oklahoma is up to No. 7 in the AP Poll going into this weekend
After the Sooners’ big win over the Auburn Tigers last Saturday, they vaulted up to seventh in the latest Associated Press poll. They were at No. 11 before beating the Tigers by a touchdown, 24-17.
The LSU Tigers (No. 4) and Georgia Bulldogs (No. 5) are the only two SEC teams ahead of the Sooners in the poll.
The Sooners hope to survive long enough until Mateer is ready to return, as they’re trying to make the College Football Playoff this year.
Venables is in his fourth season as the Sooners’ head coach, with a 26-17 record. The 2025 season is considered a big year for him since he’s gone 6-7 in two of his first three seasons in Norman.
Kickoff for the Oklahoma-Kent State game on October 4 will be at 4 p.m. ET.
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