The Oklahoma Sooners got the unfortunate news on Sept. 23 that they will be without their Heisman Trophy favorite quarterback John Mateer for some games. Mateer, who has led the Sooners to a 4-0 record thus far, will have to undergo surgery on his throwing hand.
The injury occurred in the Sooners’ 24-17 win over the Auburn Tigers in Week 4. Mateer finished the game throwing for 271 yards and a touchdown despite the injury.
This is no doubt a huge loss for the Sooners, who signed Mateer out of the transfer portal during the winter out of Washington State. It’s also a huge loss for head coach Brent Venables, who is in the middle of a pivotal fourth season in Norman.
Venables will now have to rely on backup quarterback Michael Hawkins.
“John Mateer’s thumb injury sucks for the Sooners; there’s no two ways about it,” On3’s Parker Thune wrote. “But you could be much worse off than to have a backup with SEC starting experience. Michael Hawkins will get at least one start, and perhaps multiple, while Mateer is sidelined.”
Who is Oklahoma QB Michael Hawkins?
Michael Hawkins is a former three-star prospect out of McKinney, Texas, in the 2024 class, according to 247Sports. He was ranked as the No. 35 quarterback in the country and No. 82 player in Texas. His brother Maliek Hawkins is also part of this year’s Oklahoma team as a freshman. Their father Mike Hawkins was a cornerback for the Sooners from 2005 to 2009.
Trying to figure out the quarterback situation last season when Jackson Arnold struggled, Hawkins earned some playing time, appearing in seven games with four starts. He completed 76 of 120 pass attempts (63.3%) for 120 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed for another 204 yards and one score.
He’s appeared in just one game this season, making three passes for five yards and one rush for 25 yards.
The reason for that is Venables said just weeks ago he didn’t want to burn Hawkins’ redshirt.
“Until our hands forced, we’re not at any liberty to be able to, ‘Yeah, let’s just get him in for a few series,’” Venables said when asked what the plan was for Hawkins this year. “So, trying to be thinking both short term and long term. Would hate to burn his year unnecessarily.
“I think over the course of the season things will work itself out. But we’re going to be real mindful burning his year before we have to.”
It appears Venables has no choice now as Hawkins will be getting some notable starts.
How Many Games Will Michael Hawkins Start for John Mateer?
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Mateer is set to miss “about a month” of playing time.
The Sooners are going into a bye week off the win over Auburn. On Oct. 4 they host Kent State, followed by the Red River Rivalry game against Texas on Oct. 11, then on the road against South Carolina on Oct. 18, followed by Ole Miss at home on Oct. 25.
So, Mateer could be back anywhere from the South Carolina game through Nov. 1 against Tennessee in Knoxville. That’s assuming things go well in his rehabilitation.
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