Oklahoma QB John Mateer Undergoes Hand Surgery, Hawkins to Start

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer will undergo surgery Wednesday to repair a right-hand injury he suffered in the first quarter of the Sooners' 24-17 win over Auburn, the school announced, with head coach Brent Venables saying surgery was best for Mateer’s short- and long-term future and that he is expected to return sometime this season. Mateer played most of the Auburn game despite the injury, finishing with 271 passing yards and a late rushing touchdown, and through four games has thrown for 1,215 yards (six TDs) while adding 190 rushing yards and multiple scores. Venables said Mateer is “extremely disappointed” to miss game action but will be aggressive in rehabilitation; no specific timetable was given. Sophomore Michael Hawkins Jr. will start Oklahoma’s next game against Kent State on Oct. 4 while Mateer recovers. Mateer entered the season as an early Heisman frontrunner and his absence could affect Oklahoma’s College Football Playoff hopes and availability for marquee games (including the Oct. 11 Red River matchup), though some outlets note there’s hope he could return in time if recovery goes well. The team emphasized confidence in Hawkins and cautioned that the recovery process will be critical to any return timeline.