OU football head coach Brent Venables gave an update on redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer’s injury timeline ahead of Red River Rivalry with Texas.
Mateer was out for the Kent State game after suffering a right-hand injury against Auburn on Sept. 20, and Venables spoke about the quarterback’s status on his coach’s show.
“I don’t know when John Mateer will be back,” Venables said on his coaches’ show.
Mateer ranks No. 5 in the nation in passing yards per game with 303.75, and the NCAA lists him at No. 2 among Heisman contenders. This marks a one-spot drop after Mateer was No. 1 before his injury.
In Mateer’s absence, sophomore quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. recorded 162 passing yards in a 44-0 win over Kent State. The Sooners are preparing for Hawkins, who led OU to a 34-0 loss to Texas in 2024, to start again.
“I’m assuming (Mateer) can’t (play),” Venables said after the win. “(Hawkins) experienced playing there last year, and my mindset is no different than it was going into today. … I feel great about Mike.”
However, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian stated that the Longhorns are preparing to face Mateer.
“We’ll plan for Mateer,” Sarkisan said at his press conference in Austin. “We have to. He’s a dynamic player. He’s the heartbeat of that offense.”