Mason Young
Tulsa World OU Sports Reporter
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NORMAN — Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer will undergo surgery for an injury to his throwing hand on Wednesday, the OU football program announced Tuesday.
Mateer sustained the injury to his right hand during the first quarter of the No. 7 Sooners’ 24-17 win over Auburn last Saturday. Despite the ailment, Mateer stayed in the game, finishing with 300 total yards and two touchdowns.
Mateer was the Heisman Trophy frontrunner through four weeks of the 2025 college football season and he ranks second nationally among quarterbacks in total offense (351.3 yards per game). Head coach Brent Venables said in a press release that Mateer is expected to return to action some time this season.
“After consulting with medical experts, it became clear that surgery is the best option for John and his short- and long-term future,” Venables said in the release. “He’s extremely disappointed he will miss some game action but is eager to correct the issue and move forward. As he is with everything, we know he will be aggressive with his rehabilitation and work to return to the field as quickly as possible.”
In the interim, sophomore Michael Hawkins, who started four games and appeared in seven last year, will start OU’s next game, versus Kent State on Oct. 4. Hawkins has only played in one game so far this season. OU was hoping to redshirt him prior to Mateer’s injury.
“We have all the confidence in the world in Michael and are excited for his opportunity to lead our offense while John recovers,” Venables said in the release. “He had some big moments for us last season as a true freshman and has just gotten better and better. I’m proud of the work Michael’s put in and the progress he’s made, and know he will attack this opportunity to help lead our football team.”
mason.young@tulsaworld.com
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Mason Young
Tulsa World OU Sports Reporter
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