October 9, 2025

Oklahoma Quarterback John Mateer Recovering from Surgery

Dallas, October 9, 2025

News Summary

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is on the mend following successful hand surgery. The procedure occurred shortly after he was injured during a recent game. While Mateer is eager to return for the upcoming showdown against Texas, the team’s coach has not confirmed his availability. Meanwhile, Oklahoma remains undefeated and ranks highly in the AP Poll, gearing up for the 121st meeting in the historic Red River Rivalry.

DALLAS

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is recovering from hand surgery.

Key update: Mateer’s status and timetable

The surgery took place on September 24, following an injury during the Auburn game on September 20. Mateer is pushing to return for the game against Texas on Saturday, October 11. He is less than three weeks post-surgery and is in the process of rehab. Oklahoma coach Brent Venables has not confirmed Mateer’s availability, citing uncertainty.

Medical and recovery details

Mateer had a successful surgery performed by Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles. Rehabilitation continues on a short timeline as the team prepares for the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl. Coaching staff and medical personnel are evaluating progress while maintaining a precautionary approach to his return.

On-field production this season

He had previously completed 67.4% of his passes this season, with 1,215 yards and six touchdowns. Mateer is also a key player in the running game for Oklahoma, with 190 rushing yards and five touchdowns. He currently ranks second in total offense in the country with 351.3 yards per game.

Offensive depth and recent starter

Michael Hawkins Jr. started for Oklahoma against Kent State last week, leading the team to a 44-0 victory, passing for 162 yards and throwing three touchdowns. The start provided the Sooners with a successful game plan while Mateer continues rehab.

Team outlook and opponent

Oklahoma enters the game ranked No. 6 in the AP Poll and remains undefeated. They are known for having a strong defense that leads the nation in tackles for loss and sacks. The Red River Rivalry game between Texas and Oklahoma will take place at the Cotton Bowl, marking the 121st meeting between the two teams.

Texas comes into the game with a 3-2 record, having lost their previous game against Florida. Television coverage for the game will be provided by ABC, starting at 2:30 p.m.

What to watch this week

The primary focus for Oklahoma is whether Mateer will be cleared in time for the Oct. 11 matchup. If he is unable to play, the team has recent game experience with Michael Hawkins Jr. at quarterback. Oklahoma’s defensive pressure and the ability of the offense to maintain production without Mateer are expected to shape game plans on both sides.

Game logistics

The matchup will be held at the Cotton Bowl and represents the 121st meeting in the rivalry. Broadcast coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. on ABC, and both teams enter the game with differing recent momentum: Oklahoma undefeated and highly ranked, Texas holding a 3-2 record after a loss to Florida.

Background

The Red River Rivalry is a longstanding annual meeting between Texas and Oklahoma staged at the Cotton Bowl. This year’s game arrives with national attention on both the matchup and the status of Oklahoma’s starting quarterback. Medical staff decisions and game-day availability will determine whether John Mateer takes the field.

FAQ

What is John Mateer’s medical status?: Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is recovering from hand surgery.
When did the surgery occur and why?: The surgery took place on September 24, following an injury during the Auburn game on September 20.
Is Mateer aiming to play in the Red River Rivalry?: Mateer is pushing to return for the game against Texas on Saturday, October 11.
How far along is his recovery?: He is less than three weeks post-surgery and is in the process of rehab.
Has the coach confirmed his availability?: Oklahoma coach Brent Venables has not confirmed Mateer’s availability, citing uncertainty.
Who performed the surgery?: Mateer had a successful surgery performed by Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles.
What are Mateer’s passing statistics this season?: He had previously completed 67.4% of his passes this season, with 1,215 yards and six touchdowns.
What are Mateer’s rushing statistics this season?: Mateer is also a key player in the running game for Oklahoma, with 190 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Where does Mateer rank in total offense?: He currently ranks second in total offense in the country with 351.3 yards per game.
Who started at quarterback in the last game?: Michael Hawkins Jr. started for Oklahoma against Kent State last week, leading the team to a 44-0 victory, passing for 162 yards and throwing three touchdowns.
What is Oklahoma’s current standing?: Oklahoma enters the game ranked No. 6 in the AP Poll and remains undefeated.
How is Oklahoma’s defense described?: They are known for having a strong defense that leads the nation in tackles for loss and sacks.
Where and which meeting number is the rivalry game?: The Red River Rivalry game between Texas and Oklahoma will take place at the Cotton Bowl, marking the 121st meeting between the two teams.
What is Texas’ record entering the game?: Texas comes into the game with a 3-2 record, having lost their previous game against Florida.
When and where can viewers watch the game?: Television coverage for the game will be provided by ABC, starting at 2:30 p.m.

Key features
Feature	Detail
Player status	Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is recovering from hand surgery.
Surgery date and cause	The surgery took place on September 24, following an injury during the Auburn game on September 20.
Return target	Mateer is pushing to return for the game against Texas on Saturday, October 11.
Recovery timing	He is less than three weeks post-surgery and is in the process of rehab.
Coach confirmation	Oklahoma coach Brent Venables has not confirmed Mateer’s availability, citing uncertainty.
Surgery location	Mateer had a successful surgery performed by Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles.
Passing stats	He had previously completed 67.4% of his passes this season, with 1,215 yards and six touchdowns.
Rushing stats	Mateer is also a key player in the running game for Oklahoma, with 190 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Total offense ranking	He currently ranks second in total offense in the country with 351.3 yards per game.
Recent starter performance	Michael Hawkins Jr. started for Oklahoma against Kent State last week, leading the team to a 44-0 victory, passing for 162 yards and throwing three touchdowns.
Team ranking	Oklahoma enters the game ranked No. 6 in the AP Poll and remains undefeated.
Defense	They are known for having a strong defense that leads the nation in tackles for loss and sacks.
Game	The Red River Rivalry game between Texas and Oklahoma will take place at the Cotton Bowl, marking the 121st meeting between the two teams.
Opponent record	Texas comes into the game with a 3-2 record, having lost their previous game against Florida.
Broadcast	Television coverage for the game will be provided by ABC, starting at 2:30 p.m.

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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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