John Mateer injury update: Brent Venables assuming QB won't be available for Red River Rivalry vs. Texas

As he continues to recover from hand surgery, Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is not expected to be back in action for next weekend’s edition of the ‘Red River Rivalry’ against Texas.

In Mateer’s place, Michael Hawkins Jr. would once again be QB1 for the Sooners. He made his first start of the season on Saturday against Kent State, passing for 162 yards and three touchdowns in a 44-0 shutout victory.

Brent Venables says he’s assuming John Mateer won’t be able available next week. Says if he’s not, they feel confident in Michael Hawkins Jr. leading the offense. #Sooners

— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) October 5, 2025

“He’s going to push the limits on everything when it comes to his rehab and getting back,” Venables said earlier this week, per George Stoia of Sooner Scoop. “At the same time, I told him, you’re not going to defy the odds… You need to let those things heal.”

Mateer transferred to Oklahoma from Washington State this offseason and helped the Sooners to a 4-0 start. He was also the leader in Heisman odds prior to his injury, having thrown for 1,215 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions, while also rushing for 190 yards and five more scores. He injured his hand during the Sooners’ 24-17 victory over Auburn on Sept. 20.

Although Hawkins Jr. made his first start of the season on Saturday, he saw a good chunk of action last season in relief of Jackson Arnold. Arnold, who is now at Auburn, struggled mightily in the Sooners offense at times. The Dallas native completed 76/120 passes for 783 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in seven games.

He was strong in Oklahoma‘s loss to Navy in the Armed Forces Bowl last year. In the 21-20 loss, he passed for 247 yards and two touchdowns.

Hawkins Jr. and Mateer share strong relationship in OU QB room

Hawkins Jr. spoke about the bond between himself and Mateer earlier this week.

“John is a great mentor,” Hawkins said. “He’s obviously older than me and he’s been in an offense for a while so he’s a great guy to go to for questions himself. He helps me with stuff I don’t know and just can develop my game.”

“If I see things he needs… it’s a great relationship we have and I’m glad to have him as a mentor. I lean on him a lot throughout the weeks of him playing and we always talk and get that connection even better throughout the season. He’s a great guy to go to even for the little questions I have.”

Hawkins was the No. 18 ranked quarterback in the Class of 2024. He has been set up to be Oklahoma‘s quarterback of the future once Mateer departs for the NFL Draft this offseason. It will now be up to him to lead the Sooners against rivals Texas next weekend, with the Longhorns fresh off a loss at Florida.