Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer, a pre-injury Heisman Trophy frontrunner, is officially cleared to play in the highly anticipated Red River Rivalry against Texas, returning from hand surgery to dramatically alter the landscape for both teams in their quest for college football supremacy.
The biggest question leading into the highly anticipated Red River Rivalry has been definitively answered: Oklahoma’s star quarterback, John Mateer, is available to play against Texas. After weeks of speculation and a rollercoaster of injury reports, Mateer’s name was notably absent from the final SEC availability report released Saturday afternoon, signaling his readiness for one of college football’s most iconic matchups.
Mateer, a Washington State transfer, quickly established himself as a dominant force and an early favorite for the Heisman Trophy this season. His electrifying play has been a key catalyst in the Sooners’ impressive 5-0 start, positioning them at No. 6 in the AP Poll. His potential return for this pivotal game has created immense anticipation and could significantly sway the outcome.
The Injury That Sparked Uncertainty
The drama began on September 20, when Mateer sustained a broken bone in his right throwing hand during Oklahoma’s 24-17 victory over Auburn. Just four days later, on September 24, he underwent successful hand surgery. This procedure sidelined him for the Sooners’ subsequent game against Kent State, a 44-0 home victory.
Following the Auburn game, Oklahoma had a bye week, which fortunately limited Mateer’s absence to just one contest. The quick turnaround and his determination to play in the rivalry game highlight his commitment to the team and his impactful presence on the field.
Mateer’s Impactful Season So Far
Before his injury, John Mateer was having a phenomenal season, proving himself to be the engine of the Oklahoma offense. His statistics through four games underscore his dual-threat capability:
- Passing Yards: 1,215 yards
- Completion Percentage: 67.4%
- Passing Touchdowns: 6
- Rushing Yards: 190 yards
- Rushing Touchdowns: 5 (led the Sooners despite missing a game)
- He also led Oklahoma to a significant 24-13 victory against then-No. 15 Michigan on September 6.
His impressive production not only propelled the Sooners to an undefeated record but also firmly placed him in the conversation for college football’s most prestigious individual award, the Heisman Trophy, as reported by various sports outlets.
The Backup’s Performance: Michael Hawkins Jr.
While Mateer was recovering, redshirt junior Michael Hawkins Jr. stepped in at quarterback against Kent State. Hawkins performed admirably, leading the Sooners to a decisive shutout victory. In that game, he completed 14 of 24 passes for 162 yards and three touchdowns, adding 33 rushing yards and another score on the ground. Hawkins’ capable performance demonstrated the team’s depth and provided a crucial win during Mateer’s absence.
The Red River Rivalry: Stakes for Both Teams
The Red River Rivalry is always a high-stakes affair, but this year’s installment carries particularly significant implications for both Oklahoma and Texas.
- Oklahoma’s Position: The No. 6 ranked Sooners enter the game undefeated at 5-0. A victory would further solidify their position as a legitimate College Football Playoff contender and maintain their perfect record. Even a loss, while unwelcome against a bitter rival, wouldn’t necessarily derail their entire season given their strong start.
- Texas’s Imperative: The Texas Longhorns, on the other hand, desperately need a win. They’ve already suffered two losses this season, falling to Ohio State and Florida. Another slip-up would severely jeopardize their hopes of competing for the SEC Championship and making the College Football Playoff.
The return of John Mateer changes the strategic calculus for both coaching staffs. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian acknowledged this, stating his team had been preparing for Mateer from the start, recognizing him as “the heartbeat of that offense for sure” as reported by USA TODAY Sports.
The Road to Return: Secrecy and Preparation
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables maintained a tight lid on Mateer’s status throughout the week, employing some strategic gamesmanship to keep Texas guessing. Venables had previously stated that Mateer was “on a progression through however long it takes those injuries to heal” and was doing “zero good-on-good work” in practice, focusing instead on his “normal protocol” for recovery. This deliberate secrecy forced Texas to prepare for both Mateer and Hawkins, complicating their defensive planning.
Mateer’s surgery was performed by renowned hand surgeon Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles, known for his work with athletes. Despite the recent surgery, Mateer was seen warming up and throwing on the field in the lead-up to Saturday’s game in Dallas, confirming his readiness to potentially take the field.
While Mateer is cleared, his right throwing hand will be closely monitored during the game, especially early on in the Sooners’ passing game. The Red River Rivalry, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET and broadcast on ABC, promises to be an epic showdown, with the return of its Heisman-contending star adding another layer of excitement and unpredictability.
The official availability updates for all teams can be found via the SEC athlete availability report.
