Oklahoma QB John Mateer to miss significant time after hand surgery

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer will miss a significant portion of the season after undergoing surgery on his right throwing hand, coach Brent Venables announced Tuesday. After consulting with medical experts, the Sooners determined the operation is the best option for his short- and long-term future. Venables said Mateer is disappointed to miss some game action but is eager to rehabilitate and return to the field as quickly as possible.

The injury, described by ESPN as a broken bone in the throwing hand, occurred during the first quarter of Oklahoma's 24-17 win over Auburn. Mateer remained in the game, finishing 24 of 36 for 271 yards with a touchdown through the air and a rushing score. Oklahoma said he will miss about a month as he undergoes surgery and a careful rehabilitation plan. The Sooners were 4-0 to open the season before the injury changed the dynamic of their offense.

<img alt="John Mateer in a suit" src="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2025/08/1024/512/john-mateer-oklahoma-suit.jpg?ve=1&tl=1" />

Backup Michael Hawkins Jr., a sophomore, will start against Kent State on Oct. 4. Mateer will also be out for the highly anticipated Red River showdown against Texas on Oct. 11, a weighing factor in Oklahoma's schedule as it navigates SEC alignment implications and playoff considerations. Mateer, who transferred to Oklahoma after three seasons at Washington State, had been listed among early Heisman Trophy contenders this season and had helped the Sooners surge to a 4-0 start.

Through four games this season, Mateer leads the SEC in passing yards (1,215) and completions (95), a testament to his efficiency and the offense’s early success. Oklahoma will lean on Hawkins to maintain momentum while Mateer rehabilitates. The plan, according to Venables, is for Mateer to be aggressive in his rehab and to work toward a return to the field as soon as medical professionals clear him.

The Sooners face a demanding stretch after Texas, with South Carolina and a gauntlet of ranked opponents on the horizon, including Ole Miss, Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri and LSU. Oklahoma's depth at quarterback will be tested as Hawkins attempts to keep the offense moving against a schedule that features some of college football's top defenses. The team has shown resilience late this season, and the coaching staff remains focused on keeping the offense productive as Mateer works toward a comeback.

<img alt="John Mateer in a game" src="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2025/08/1200/675/john-mateer-oklahoma.jpg?ve=1&tl=1" />

Venables described the decision as a necessary step for Mateer's long-term health, emphasizing that the quarterback is determined to return and compete for a playoff run this season. The coach also noted that Hawkins has shown readiness in practice and in limited game action, and the team will rely on him to guide the offense during the transition. Oklahoma's offense has thrived early this season, and the loss of Mateer is a setback the program hopes to manage with a combination of depth, game planning, and strong play-calling as the schedule tightens.

As Mateer begins rehabilitation, the Sooners will monitor the medical timeline with the hope that he can return within the season. The program has not offered a precise date for his return, but officials indicated the intent is to have him back on the field as soon as it is medically permissible. In the interim, Hawkins will have opportunities to build chemistry with Oklahoma's receiving corps and running backs, maintaining the momentum of a squad that started 4-0 and entered the heart of its schedule with high expectations for the postseason.