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Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer might be back in the starting lineup for Saturday’s Red River Rivalry against Texas, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. The dynamic QB has been out since undergoing surgery on his right hand after leading the Sooners to victory over Auburn last month.
“Like we’ve reported the last couple weeks, it continues to be possible he ends up playing this week, but no final call has been made as of yet,” Zenitz noted. “The post-surgery feedback was very good and led to optimism regarding the recovery timetable.”
This news comes as a surprise to many Sooners fans. After Oklahoma’s dominant 44-0 win over Kent State, head coach Brent Venables told reporters he was “assuming” Mateer wouldn’t be available against the Longhorns. The team had been preparing with backup Michael Hawkins Jr. taking first-team reps.
Hawkins didn’t exactly struggle in his opportunity. The young quarterback accounted for four touchdowns against Kent State — throwing for 162 yards and running for another 33.
But Mateer is different.
Before his injury, the Washington State transfer had established himself as a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender while guiding the Sooners to a perfect 4-0 start. He’s thrown for 1,215 yards and six touchdowns while rushing for at least one score in each of his four starts this season.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian isn’t taking any chances. “We’ll plan for Mateer, you have to,” Sarkisian said. “He’s a dynamic player, he’s the heartbeat of that offense for sure, everything goes through him.”
Initial projections had Mateer missing about a month after surgery. The Sooners were reportedly hoping to have him back before the end of October — particularly for their showdown with No. 4 Ole Miss.
His potential early return could be huge for fifth-ranked Oklahoma, who enter Saturday’s game as 2.5-point underdogs despite their unbeaten record.
Mateer has been one of college football’s most productive players when healthy. He ranks second nationally with 351.3 yards of total offense per game and has an impressive streak going — he’s rushed for at least one touchdown and passed for another in each of his last 10 games (dating back to his time with the Cougars).
The Sooners will need all the firepower they can get moving forward. After facing Texas this weekend and South Carolina next week, Oklahoma’s schedule turns brutal — they’ll face five ranked opponents in their final six games.
