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

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer’s status for Saturday’s Red River Rivalry clash with Texas remains one of the biggest storylines in college football. Listed as “questionable” on the SEC availability report released Wednesday, Oct. 8, Mateer is pushing to make a rapid return just over two weeks after undergoing surgery on his throwing hand.

The Washington State transfer has been sidelined since suffering the injury against Auburn on Sept. 21 and missed the Sooners’ Week 5 matchup against Kent State. Initially expected to miss three to four weeks, Mateer’s potential return this weekend would be ahead of schedule — and could have major implications for Oklahoma’s season.

John Mateer Injury Update: Where Things Stand Before OU vs Texas

According to Oklahoma’s official injury report, Mateer is listed as “questionable,” which leaves the door open for a potential return against No. 3 Texas. However, head coach Brent Venables has remained cautious when discussing his star quarterback’s progress, providing few details about his practice involvement.

“He’s doing his normal protocol. He’s done zero good-on-good work,” Venables said during his weekly press conference on Tuesday. “Right now, it’s Michael (Hawkins Jr.) and Whitt (Newbauer). When they tell me he’s available, I’ll let you know.”

That lack of team reps suggests Mateer may still be short of full game readiness, even as he recovers ahead of schedule. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported on Oct. 7 that Mateer’s hand “reacted well” to surgery performed by renowned hand specialist Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles. A return Saturday would come just 17 days after the procedure — a notably fast turnaround for a throwing-hand injury.

Mateer was a Heisman Trophy frontrunner before his setback, throwing for 1,215 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions through four games, while adding 190 rushing yards and five scores on the ground. His dual-threat ability and leadership have been central to Oklahoma’s 4–1 start.

How Mateer’s Status Impacts the Red River Rivalry

If Mateer is cleared, it would provide a significant boost to Oklahoma’s offense against a Texas defense ranked among the top 10 nationally. His ability to extend plays and attack through the air could be crucial in what is expected to be a tightly contested matchup with playoff implications.

Should Mateer be unable to go, redshirt freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. is expected to start for the second straight week. Hawkins managed the offense efficiently in the win over Kent State but would face a far stiffer test against Texas. The Sooners have practiced indoors all week, preparing both quarterbacks for Saturday’s noon kickoff in Dallas.

For now, Oklahoma continues to keep its plans under wraps. Venables’ reluctance to commit either way suggests that a decision may not come until pregame warmups on Saturday. Regardless, Mateer’s push to return earlier than expected underscores his importance to Oklahoma’s postseason hopes and sets the stage for one of college football’s most anticipated games of the year.

Whether John Mateer takes the field against Texas will likely come down to a game-time decision. But even his presence on the injury report as “questionable” signals a faster-than-expected recovery and offers hope to Sooners fans ahead of Saturday’s showdown.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Will John Mateer play against Texas?

Mateer is listed as questionable and pushing to return, but no decision has been announced. A game-time decision is possible.

Q2: What injury did John Mateer suffer?

He injured his throwing hand against Auburn on Sept. 21 and underwent surgery on Sept. 24.

Q3: Who will start if Mateer can’t play?

Redshirt freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. would likely start again if Mateer is ruled out.

Q4: How has Mateer performed this season?

Mateer has thrown for 1,215 yards and six touchdowns and rushed for 190 yards and five scores in four games.

Q5: Why is this game important?

The Red River Rivalry has major playoff and Big 12 title implications, and Mateer’s status could impact the outcome.