John Mateer Injury Update: Will Oklahoma QB Play in the Red River Rivalry vs Texas?

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer remains questionable for Saturday’s highly anticipated Red River Rivalry clash against the Texas Longhorns. The junior starter is recovering from right-hand surgery and has yet to be fully cleared for game action, leaving his availability one of the biggest storylines heading into the Week 7 showdown.

Mateer injured his throwing hand during the Sooners’ win over Auburn on September 20 and underwent surgery four days later. Since then, Oklahoma has leaned on freshman Michael Hawkins Jr., who guided the team to a 44-0 victory over Kent State last week. While Mateer is pushing to return, head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle have both cautioned that his recovery remains a day-to-day process.

Latest on John Mateer’s Recovery Before Texas Game

Venables told reporters on Tuesday that Mateer has not yet participated in “good on good” practice — the full-speed, live-contact drills typically required before a quarterback can play. “To play, you’ve got to do good on good work,” Venables said. “He’s on a progression through however long it takes those injuries to heal.”

Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle added that Mateer is “doing a good job” following the medical plan set for him but made it clear that the team will not rush his return. “John knows his body. He doesn’t want to put himself into a compromising position,” Arbuckle said. “He’s a competitor, but we have to think about the long run of the season.”

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Tuesday that Mateer is “pushing” to play against Texas, though no decision has been made. Venables said Monday during his weekly coaches’ show that he couldn’t commit to a timeline. “I don’t know when John Mateer will be back, really not even anything to talk about,” Venables said. “He’s on a progression.”

Oklahoma initially announced on September 23 that Mateer required surgery but did not set a public return date, only saying he was expected back at some point this season. He was spotted on the sideline last week wearing a protective brace on his right hand.

What It Means for the Sooners Against Texas

If Mateer is cleared, the Sooners will regain their offensive leader in one of the most pressure-packed games of the season. His experience and arm strength are key against a Texas defense that dominated Oklahoma in last year’s 34-3 blowout win. A healthy Mateer could help the Sooners stay competitive and keep playoff hopes alive.

If he is ruled out, freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. would get his second career start — but facing Texas is far different from Kent State. The Longhorns’ pass rush and secondary will test a young quarterback who has yet to see this level of competition.

As of midweek, Mateer’s status remains up in the air. Coaches say his hand is improving, but he must pass final practice tests before any game-day decision is made.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is John Mateer playing against Texas?

Not confirmed yet. Coaches say his status will depend on late-week practice progress and medical clearance.

Q2: What is John Mateer’s injury?

He suffered a right-hand injury on September 20 and underwent surgery on September 24.

Q3: Who starts if Mateer can’t play?

Freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. is expected to start again after leading Oklahoma to a 44-0 win over Kent State.

Q4: Why is this game so important?

The Red River Rivalry often decides Big 12 title and College Football Playoff positioning, making Mateer’s availability crucial.

Q5: When will the final decision come?

Likely on Friday or Saturday morning after the final practice and medical evaluation.