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. Ahead of the game, it appears the Sooners have received a massive boost.
John Mateer Injury Update: What’s the Latest on the Oklahoma QB, and Will He Play vs. Texas?
One of the main talking points among college football fans for the past two weeks appears to be coming to an end. As the Sooners prepared to face their bitter rivals Texas, the final availability report revealed that Oklahoma quarterback Mateer will play against the Longhorns.
OU quarterback John Mateer is no longer listed on the availability report, which means he is officially available to play today for the #Sooners.
Keontez Lewis is a game-time decision.
— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) October 11, 2025
The scenario of the Oklahoma quarterback playing on Saturday afternoon had appeared to be on the cards earlier in the week. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported on Oct. 9 that 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
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.
