Dallas, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is working to recover from surgery on a broken bone in his throwing hand, aiming to play against Texas. He sustained the injury during the Auburn game two weeks ago and hasn’t participated in full-contact drills since his surgery. If deemed unfit to play, sophomore quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. will start. Oklahoma’s coaching staff is preparing for two different game plans while Oklahoma’s high-flying offense and strong defense add to the tension as they face off with Texas in the long-standing rivalry.
Dallas
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer’s status uncertain ahead of Red River Rivalry
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is pushing to return for the upcoming game against Texas. Mateer is recovering from recent surgery on a broken bone in his right (throwing) hand. He underwent surgery on September 24, two weeks ago, following the injury he sustained during the Auburn game on September 20.
Medical progress and team evaluations will determine whether Mateer can play on October 11 at the Cotton Bowl. Speculation exists about Mateer’s potential return on October 11, when Oklahoma faces Texas at the Cotton Bowl. Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables has not confirmed Mateer’s availability, stating that he will be informed when Mateer is ready to play. Coach Venables also mentioned that Mateer has not participated in any full-contact drills.
Immediate implications for the game plan
If Mateer is unable to return for the Texas game, sophomore quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. is set to start again. Hawkins led Oklahoma to a 44-0 victory against Kent State in his first start after Mateer’s injury. Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle commented on Mateer’s efforts to be ready for the Texas game, and the staff is preparing game plans that account for either signal-caller.
Matter-of-fact roster notes: Mateer played the remainder of the Auburn game after sustaining the injury, finishing the game with 271 passing yards and 24 completions. He was previously one of the leading candidates for major postseason awards before the injury; Mateer was previously favored for the Heisman Trophy before his injury.
Season performance and team context
Statistically, Mateer has been a top performer this season. He has thrown for 1,215 yards, completed 67.4% of his passes, and has six touchdowns this season. Mateer leads the Southeastern Conference in passing, averaging over 300 yards per game, and ranks fifth in college football overall. Key offensive players for Oklahoma include wide receivers Isaiah Sategna, Deion Burks, and tight end Jaren Kanak.
Oklahoma’s defense has been a major factor in the team’s success. Oklahoma’s defense ranks high nationally in tackles for loss and sacks, contributing to their undefeated status and No. 6 ranking in the AP Poll. Those defensive strengths have helped the offense and given the coaching staff some margin for quarterback availability concerns.
Rivalry matchup details
The Red River Rivalry is a storied matchup, marking the 121st meeting between Oklahoma and Texas. The game is scheduled to kick off at 2:30 p.m. on October 11 and will be broadcast on ABC. Texas enters the rivalry game with a record of 3-2 after a loss to Florida, where they threw two interceptions.
Coaches on both sides are adjusting strategies based on available personnel and recent performances. Oklahoma will decide on Mateer’s status as the game approaches and continue preparing for the possibility of Michael Hawkins Jr. starting if Mateer is not cleared for play.
What to watch before kickoff
- Medical bulletins and practice reports on Mateer’s throwing hand and any progression to full-contact work.
- Final starter announcement by Oklahoma’s coaching staff prior to the game.
- Matchups involving Oklahoma’s top offensive targets: Isaiah Sategna, Deion Burks, and Jaren Kanak.
- Texas offensive adjustments after their recent two-interception game versus Florida.
FAQ
Q: What is John Mateer’s current status?
A: Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is pushing to return for the upcoming game against Texas. Mateer is recovering from recent surgery on a broken bone in his right (throwing) hand.
Q: When did Mateer have surgery and how did the injury occur?
A: He underwent surgery on September 24, two weeks ago, following the injury he sustained during the Auburn game on September 20. Mateer played the remainder of the Auburn game after sustaining the injury, finishing the game with 271 passing yards and 24 completions.
Q: Has the coach confirmed whether Mateer will play?
A: Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables has not confirmed Mateer’s availability, stating that he will be informed when Mateer is ready to play. Coach Venables also mentioned that Mateer has not participated in any full-contact drills.
Q: Who would start if Mateer cannot play?
A: If Mateer is unable to return for the Texas game, sophomore quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. is set to start again. Hawkins led Oklahoma to a 44-0 victory against Kent State in his first start after Mateer’s injury.
Q: What are Mateer’s season statistics and rankings?
A: He has thrown for 1,215 yards, completed 67.4% of his passes, and has six touchdowns this season. Mateer leads the Southeastern Conference in passing, averaging over 300 yards per game, and ranks fifth in college football overall.
Q: When and where is the game and what is the rivalry context?
A: The Red River Rivalry is a storied matchup, marking the 121st meeting between Oklahoma and Texas. The game is scheduled to kick off at 2:30 p.m. on October 11 and will be broadcast on ABC. Texas enters the rivalry game with a record of 3-2 after a loss to Florida, where they threw two interceptions.
Key details at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Player status | Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is pushing to return for the upcoming game against Texas |
| Injury and surgery | He underwent surgery on September 24, two weeks ago, following the injury he sustained during the Auburn game on September 20 |
| Performance in injury game | Mateer played the remainder of the Auburn game after sustaining the injury, finishing the game with 271 passing yards and 24 completions |
| Season stats | He has thrown for 1,215 yards, completed 67.4% of his passes, and has six touchdowns this season |
| Rankings | Mateer leads the Southeastern Conference in passing, averaging over 300 yards per game, and ranks fifth in college football overall; Oklahoma is No. 6 in the AP Poll |
| Backup QB | If Mateer is unable to return for the Texas game, sophomore quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. is set to start again |
| Game | The Red River Rivalry is a storied matchup, marking the 121st meeting between Oklahoma and Texas. The game is scheduled to kick off at 2:30 p.m. on October 11 and will be broadcast on ABC |
| Opponent record | Texas enters the rivalry game with a record of 3-2 after a loss to Florida, where they threw two interceptions |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Oklahoma Quarterback John Mateer Recovering from Surgery
Additional Resources
- ESPN: Oklahoma QB John Mateer’s Status Uncertain Ahead of Red River Rivalry
- OU Daily: Oklahoma vs. Texas Game Details
- KOCO: John Mateer Status Update for OU vs. Texas
- KOCO: Oklahoma vs. Texas College Football Tickets
- Wikipedia: Red River Rivalry
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.
