Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer was injured following the Sooners’ victory over Auburn, now having been sidelined 17 days after suffering a broken bone in his right hand.
The Texas Longhorns are traveling to the Cotton Bowl to take on Oklahoma in a Red River Rivalry Showdown.
John Mateer Injury Update: What’s the Latest on the Oklahoma QB, and Will He Play vs. Texas?
With Oklahoma set to take on the Longhorns in a bitter Red River Rivalry Showdown game at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday night, Mateer, who boasts a PFSN CFB QBi 89.7 (B+) rating, could potentially be in line for a return following 17 days on the sidelines.
Sources: Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is in line to attempt to play against Texas on Saturday. His injured right hand will be monitored, and there’s no certainty he’ll be able to go. He’s listed as questionable. pic.twitter.com/elzcNRcewN
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 9, 2025
“Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is in line to attempt to play against Texas on Saturday. His injured right hand will be monitored, and there’s no certainty he’ll be able to go. He’s listed as questionable.” ESPN Insider Pete Thamel revealed.
During the Sooners’ 24-17 win over Auburn, the quarterback threw for one touchdown and ran in for another, with his performance sparking some Heisman Trophy chatter. However, he also suffered his hand injury in the same game.
However, the former Washington State quarterback could be in line for a quick return to take on Texas, taking the most aggressive timeline post-surgery in order to make it back in time to take part in the Red River Showdown.
Mateer’s pain level and grip on the ball are the two biggest variables, as he‘ll be 17 days out from surgery. He’s practiced some this week for OU, as he’s been pushing toward a return that would dovetail with the most aggressive timeline post surgery.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 9, 2025
“Mateer’s pain level and grip on the ball are the two biggest variables, as he‘ll be 17 days out from surgery. He’s practiced some this week for OU, as he’s been pushing toward a return that would dovetail with the most aggressive timeline post-surgery.”
Although it’s looking like Mateer may be in line for a potential return, Michael Hawkins, Jr., who started against the Longhorns as a true freshman last year, would most likely serve as Oklahoma’s quarterback if his teammate remains sidelined.
Oklahoma Backup Quarterback Michael Hawkins Potentially in Line for Start
Last season, Oklahoma entered the game against the Longhorns knowing they had little chance of relying on the air attack with Hawkins, then a true freshman, serving as the starting quarterback and working with a wide-receiver corps riddled with injuries.
Hawkins wound up throwing for 148 yards in the Sooners’ 34-3 loss; however, after leading the Sooners to a 44-0 victory over Kent State last week, Hawkins has claimed that he will be ready if he’s called upon once more.
“They’re a great team, I’ve been really excited for that weekend coming up, because obviously it didn’t go our way last year.”
” I’ve gotten way better with the support staff around me, with (offensive coordinator Ben) Arbuckle and (quarterbacks) coach (John Kuceyeski), John and the other quarterbacks in the room,” the quarterback shared, after throwing for 162 yards and three touchdowns.
Following this victory, the backup quarterback earned multiple plaudits from both the media and his coaches, including his offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, who sang his praises.
“I want to talk about how he has been the last two weeks, throughout the bye week, and throughout this week in preparation. He has been stellar. He’s been an awesome teammate, and he really stepped in and commanded the role.
“You saw a lot of that today, too. So just a testament to that kid, testament to his process, testament to how he has worked and how he’s put himself in position to be successful.”
With Mateer potentially in line for a miracle recovery, the Sooners will surely like their chances against a Longhorns side that also fell to 3-2 after losing at unranked Florida.
