Oklahoma's Mateer to undergo hand surgery

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer will undergo surgery on his right hand Wednesday, head coach Brett Venables announced Tuesday, according to CBS Sports' Brandon Marcello.

Mateer, a Heisman candidate through four games, will miss time but is expected to return this season. Sophomore signal-caller Michael Hawkins Jr. will start the Sooners' next contest on Oct. 4 against Kent State.

The hope is that Mateer can return for the Oct. 18 matchup against South Carolina, though the Sooners won't know for sure until surgery is complete, according to Bruce Feldman of The Athletic.

"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."

Mateer suffered the injury in the first quarter of Saturday's victory over Auburn but managed to play through the issue, finishing the contest with 300 total yards and two scores. He's helped Oklahoma get off to a 4-0 start this season.

The 21-year-old is in his first campaign with the Sooners after transferring from Washington State. Mateer leads the SEC in completions (95), attempts (141), and passing yards (1,215) in 2025.

Hawkins, 19, started four games as a freshman for Oklahoma last season.