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John Mateer highlights fame of Dr. Steven Shin in Oklahoma after hand surgery

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh2 hours agogriffin_mcveigh
OU quarterback John Mateer
Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

There might only be one guy more popular around Norman in recent weeks than John Mateer. It’s the man who got the Oklahoma quarterback on the field quickly, Dr. Steven Shin. Becoming a bit of a cult hero around the OU program, the fandom turned into the story of college football for a bit.

Mateer was asked about the healing of his hand injury on Monday, mentioning there are check-ins with Dr. Shin. From there, the question of whether or not he is aware of the local fame is known.

“If he comes to Norman, he will really feel it,” Mateer said via George Stoia of On3 | Rivals’ Sooner Scoop. “He’s probably aware but it’s hard to really understand until you come here.”

Dr. Shin is based out of Los Angeles and has performed other surgeries on professional athletes. None more notable than Kobe Bryant, helping him the Basketball Hall of Fame during his Lakers playing days. Mateer did fly out West for the procedure before returning to Norman.

Now, they are apparently working to get Dr. Shin on a plane of his own. Mateer revealed some plans are in the works, speculating we might even see a new narrator during the pregame introductions soon.

“We’re trying,” Mateer said. “He’s busy, he’s pretty important. But we’ll try. I think it would be awesome.”

Three home games remain for Oklahoma, beginning Saturday against Ole Miss. Missouri then comes to town on Nov. 22 before hosting LSU over Thanksgiving weekend. All three of those projects have major implications on the line — whether it’s the SEC Championship race or the College Football Playoff.

Mateer figures to play a massive role in how the Sooners fare. Since his return, Oklahoma holds a 1-1 record. A win vs. South Carolina got them back on the right track after losing to Texas in the Red River Shootout. In those two contests, Mateer has thrown for a combined 352 yards, a touchdown (vs. South Carolina), and three interceptions (all against Texas).

“Updating Dr. Shin all the time,” Mateer said of his injury. “He’s staying in contact. But yeah, it’s healing well. Just eating right and doing all the recovery stuff you have to do.”

No matter how he next few weeks play out, the Mateer/Dr. Shin storyline will certainly be a big part of the 2025 season story. Everyone in Norman hopes it turns into something even a little more special due to a nice postseason run.