Breaking: Oklahoma QB John Mateer Is Undergoing Hand Surgery And Will Miss Time

by Staff Reporter

September 23, 20251 Comments

Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Oklahoma has announced that starting quarterback John Mateer suffered a right-hand injury vs. Auburn and will undergo surgery on Wednesday that will force him to miss games this season.

ESPN's Pete Thamel reports that Mateer could be out a month while he recovers.

quote:
Venables said the expectation is that Mateer will return to action sometime this season.

"After consulting with medical experts, it became clear that surgery is the best option for John and his short- and long-term future," said Venables. "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's injury occurred in the first quarter of OU's 24-17 victory over the Tigers. He played the entire contest, finishing with 271 passing yards and 29 rushing yards, and engineering the game-winning touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter. His nine-yard TD run with 4:54 remaining put the Sooners ahead for good.

Venables said sophomore Michael Hawkins Jr. will start OU's next game against Kent State on Oct. 4.