Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer, a Heisman Trophy favorite, is set to undergo surgery on his right throwing hand, likely sidelining him for a significant portion of the season. The decision was made after consulting with medical experts, who determined that surgery was the best option for Mateer’s long-term health. Despite the setback, Mateer remains optimistic about a quick return, emphasizing his commitment to recovery and returning to the field as soon as possible.
The injury occurred during Oklahoma’s 24-17 win over Auburn, where Mateer played through the pain, completing 24 of 36 passes for 271 yards and a touchdown. However, he will miss several key games, including the highly anticipated Red River rivalry matchup against Texas on October 11. His backup, sophomore Michael Hawkins Jr., is expected to take over the starting role in the absence of Mateer, a challenge the Sooners must overcome as they navigate a tough schedule.
Oklahoma, currently 4-0 to start the season, faces a challenging slate of games in the coming weeks, including matches against South Carolina, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri, and LSU. The Sooners’ season is on the line as they aim to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff, and the loss of a potential Heisman finalist adds pressure on the team to perform without Mateer. While the injury is a significant blow, the team remains hopeful that Hawkins will step up and lead them through this critical period.
Mateer, who transferred to Oklahoma after three seasons at Washington State, leads the SEC in passing yards (1,213) and completions (95) over four games. His performance has been instrumental in Oklahoma’s success, and the loss of a player of his caliber is a major challenge. However, with a strong team foundation and a committed backup, the Sooners may still have a chance to make a deep run in the season despite the setback.
Head coach Brent Venables emphasized the importance of focusing on the recovery process and the team’s ability to adapt. “We know John will be aggressive with his rehabilitation and work to return to the field as quickly as possible,” Venables stated. The Sooners must now rally behind Hawkins to maintain their momentum and secure their playoff hopes, facing a demanding schedule that will test their resilience and depth.