The Oklahoma Sooners defeated Jackson Arnold and the Auburn Tigers 24-17. John Mateer had a solid game, completing 24 of 36 pass attempts for 271 yards, one touchdown, and rushing for 29 yards on ten attempts, including the game-winning nine-yard rushing touchdown with 4:54 minutes left to go. The Sooners are currently on a BYE.
Unfortunately, the seventh-ranked team in the country cannot enjoy their BYE week due to an injury to their superstar quarterback.
Oklahoma Sooners Heisman favorite to undergo surgery
According to George Stoia of SoonerScoop.com, John Mateer suffered a significant thumb injury in the first quarter that will require surgery. The procedure is scheduled for Wednesday and will be performed by Dr. Steven Shin, a Los Angeles-based specialist who has operated on Drew Brees and Mike Trout. Mateer is expected to miss three to four weeks with a chance to play in the Week 7 Red River Showdown against the Texas Longhorns, though that may be pushing it.
BREAKING: Sources have confirmed to SoonerScoop that #Sooners quarterback John Mateer has suffered a hand injury that will affect his playing status moving forward. https://t.co/J8EOwjMH1G
— SoonerScoop.com (@SoonerScoop) September 23, 2025
Here’s what Brent Venables had to say about the subject matter
“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 a statement. “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.”
Who takes over at QB?
Michael Hawkins Jr. will take over as the starting quarterback with John Mateer sidelined. The three-star recruit from the 2024 recruiting class filled in for Jackson Arnold during his freshman season and started four games. Hawkins threw for 783 yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions, and rushed for 204 yards and one touchdown, finishing with a 1-3 record across seven games.
Meanwhile, former Mercer quarterback Whitt Newbauer is expected to serve as the backup.
