Oklahoma’s John Mateer is set to undergo surgery and will miss three or more weeks due to a thumb injury. The injury was on his right throwing hand, and it occurred during the first quarter of the Sooners’ 24-17 victory over the Auburn Tigers in Week 4 of college football.
Mateer played through the injury and was key to Oklahoma’s victory, going 24 of 36 for 271 yards and one touchdown. He also ran for 29 yards and scored a key rushing touchdown in a heroic last drive, which sealed the Sooners’ victory. Mateer is set to undergo surgery on Wednesday.
Brent Venables on John Mateer’s hand surgery: “After consulting with medical experts, it became clear that surgery is the best option for John and his short- and long-term future.” https://t.co/d93evlTrXZ
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 23, 2025
ESPN’s Pete Thamel broke the news on Tuesday afternoon, tweeting the following quote he attributed to Oklahoma’s coach, Brent Venables:
“After consulting with medical experts, it became clear that surgery is the best option for John and his short- and long-term future.”
NEW: Oklahoma QB John Mateer has suffered a thumb injury on his throwing hand and could miss three or more weeks, per @SoonerScoop.https://t.co/9waz92M17X pic.twitter.com/pzzlQwXjDs
— On3 (@On3sports) September 23, 2025
Oklahoma’s season so far has been shaping up to be one of the best in the nation, with a perfect record of 4-0, which has made fans start dreaming of the College Football Playoff. Not only that, but Mateer has been one of the best quarterbacks in the nation so far, with him climbing up the Heisman odds. Following Week 4, he was the favorite with odds of +700 according to BetMGM.
Who Could Take Over John Mateer’s Duties for Oklahoma?
Oklahoma has two backup quarterbacks. Michael Hawkins Jr. and Whitt Newbauer. Hawkins Jr. is a former three-star recruit, having joined the Sooners in 2024. He was the 35th-best quarterback in his class. Newbauer, on the other hand, transferred to Oklahoma in 2025 from Mercer University as a three-star transfer.
Both have some experience as starters. Hawkins Jr. took over starting duties last year in the latter part of the season from Jackson Arnold, starting in four games. He led them to a 1-3 record, throwing for 783 yards, with three touchdowns and an interception.
Newbauer, on the other hand, was Mercer’s starter last season, starting in nine games of their 11-3 season. He threw for 1, 398 yards, with 12 touchdown passes and four interceptions. However, all at the FCS level.
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