The biggest concern surrounding Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer's injury is if he'll be ready for the Red River Rivalry, and that possibility at least hasn't been erased yet.
Matt Zenits of CBS Sports reported via X on Friday evening that surgery on Mateer's throwing hand on Wednesday "went very well," and there's belief Mateer could return, at the earliest, when the Sooners play Texas on Oct. 11, which would be 17 days after his surgery. However, it doesn't sound like having Mateer for the Red River Rivalry is something OU fans should get excited about just yet.
Oklahoma QB John Mateer could return for Sooners vs. Texas
"It’s too early to tell how realistic this is but there seems to be at least an outside chance Mateer could be back as early as OU’s game vs. Texas Oct. 11," Zenits wrote.
A John Mateer update:
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) September 26, 2025
The feeling is the surgery performed by Dr. Steven Shin went very well, sources tell @cbssports.
It’s too early to tell how realistic this is but there seems to be at least an outside chance Mateer could be back as early as OU’s game vs. Texas Oct. 11. pic.twitter.com/T7V3HVipgp
Mateer injured his right hand in the first quarter against Auburn on Saturday, but still finished the game and even led a game-winning drive for a 24-17 victory. Dr. Steven Shin performed his surgery on Wednesday in Los Angeles after OU announced the news on Tuesday during the Sooners' bye week. Mateer confirmed on Thursday that the surgery was a success with a post on X.
Thank God for a successful procedure. Dr. Shin is the GOAT. BOOMER SOONER!!
— John Mateer (@John_Mateer4) September 25, 2025
OU head coach Brent Venables confirmed in the original announcement that Mateer will at least miss the Sooners' next game against Kent State on Oct. 4, but will return at some point this season. However, Venables has not given a timeframe beyond that despite talking to media twice since the injury announcement.
“Not really interested in going through a timeline,” said Venables when asked about a timeframe during SEC’s weekly teleconference. “It’s not really important now.”
According to multiple reports, Mateer is expected to miss about a month.
Mateer had emerged as the Heisman Trophy favorite during the Sooners' 4-0 start. He led the SEC in passing yards and was second in the FBS in total yards a game through four weeks.
Sophomore Michael Hawkins Jr., who started four games last season including against Texas, will take over at QB while Mateer is sidelined.
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