Brent Venables says Michael Hawkins is 'a better version of himself' in 2025

Michael Hawkins Jr. — Sep 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr (3) looks on after the game against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

OU has a new starting quarterback for the time being. With John Mateer having surgery on his throwing hand on Wednesday after injuring it during the Auburn game, sophomore Michael Hawkins Jr. will take his place. It's unclear how long Mateer will be out, with many believing it could be up to a month. That means Hawkins will once again be thrown into the fire, just as he was a year ago at this same point in the season.