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John Mateer injury update: Oklahoma QB to undergo surgery for hand ailment

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz09/23/25NickSchultz_7
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Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer suffered a hand injury and is due to undergo surgery, the program announced. OU coach Brent Venables said the expectation is he can return at some point this year.

Mateer injured his hand during Saturday’s victory against Auburn, Oklahoma said in a press release. OU confirmed Michael Hawkins will start in his place.

SoonerScoop’s George Stoia III reported Mateer injured his thumb on Saturday, though he remained in the game. The Washington State transfer could miss three or more weeks – a stretch which includes the games against Kent State and Texas after this week’s bye. On3’s Pete Nakos reported Mateer could return for the Red River Shootout, but the recovery process will be “critical.”

“After consulting with medical experts, it became clear that surgery is the best option for John and his short- and long-term future,” Venables in a statement. “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 was off to an impressive start to his season at Oklahoma after transferring from Wazzu. Through four games, he has a 67.4 completion percentage as he threw for 1,215 yards and six touchdowns out of the gate. He also added 190 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

In the victory over Auburn last week, Mateer went 24 of 36 for 271 yards and a touchdown to help lead the charge. He also took 10 carries for 29 yards and a touchdown as OU came away with the 24-17 win over the Tigers at home.

John Mateer started off strong at Oklahoma

Mateer’s arrival in Norman came with plenty of fanfare as he again works closely with Ben Arbuckle, who was his offensive coordinator at Washington State. Mateer was the No. 3 overall player to enter the transfer portal this past cycle, according to the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings.

Additionally, Mateer was generating buzz as a Heisman Trophy contender. He topped On3’s Heisman Trophy Poll after Week 4 with 67 points – 13 more than Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos, who came in second.

Hawkins will now step into the starting role in Mateer’s absence, starting with Week 6 against Kent State. He got some run last year after Oklahoma sat Jackson Arnold, and Venables expressed confidence he can fill John Mateer’s shoes while he recovers from surgery.

“We have all the confidence in the world in Michael and are excited for his opportunity to lead our offense while John recovers,” Venables said. “He had some big moments for us last season as a true freshman and has just gotten better and better. I’m proud of the work Michael’s put in and the progress he’s made, and know he will attack this opportunity to help lead our football team.”