Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is reportedly pushing to return for Saturday's Red River Rivalry game against Texas, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.
This comes two weeks after the Sooners signal-caller flew to Los Angeles to have surgery on his throwing hand and was expected to be out a month. "It's unclear when a decision on Mateer being available to play will be made, as Oklahoma coach Brent Venables has said publicly that it's uncertain when he will return," Thamel said.
Sources: Oklahoma QB John Mateer is pushing to return this week for the game against Texas. There’s a belief that his return is possible, as he’s reacted well to surgery. pic.twitter.com/KXOKoIDK9G
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 7, 2025
Mateer suffered the injury in the first quarter of Oklahoma's 24-17 win over Auburn on Sept. 20. He finished the entire game, going 24-of-36 for 271 yards.
One of the reasons why Mateer is trying to get back quickly is the need for Oklahoma to stay in the College Football Playoff conversation as SEC play heats up. Mateer had established himself as the favorite for the Heisman Trophy with 1,215 yards and six touchdowns. At this point, he has only missed one game with the 6th-ranked Sooners sitting at 5-0.
Michael Hawkins Jr. started in place of Mateer against Kent State, leading the Sooners to a 44-0 win. He accounted for four total touchdowns and gave OU some depth.
The Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma will kick off at Noon on ABC.
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