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2 hours ago
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Oklahoma will move forward with a new starting quarterback after John Mateer's injury on his throwing hand will require surgery.
Sooners head coach Brent Venables confirmed the current Heisman favorite will undergo a procedure Wednesday, which was deemed the best course of action following consultations with OU's medical staff. No timetable has been set for Mateer’s return, but Venables expressed optimism the signal-caller will see the field again this season.
Mateer sustained the injury early in last weekend’s 24-17 win over Auburn and played through the pain. He went 24-for-36 for 271 yards and a touchdown, and ran for another score in the fourth quarter.
Oklahoma is currently ranked No. 7 in the latest AP poll. Mateer has been among the nation’s most productive quarterbacks this fall, averaging 351.3 yards of total offense and extending a streak of 10 straight games with both a rushing and passing score—a mark matched only by former Heisman winner Lamar Jackson in the modern era.
With Mateer sidelined, Venables announced Michael Hawkins Jr. will take over as the starter beginning with OU’s Oct. 4 contest against Kent State. Hawkins saw action last season and has steadily developed within the program, but is now tasked with guiding a 4-0 Sooners squad as SEC play intensifies.
Oklahoma’s depth will be tested, but the program enters this stretch confident in its quarterback room and committed to navigating Mateer’s absence without losing momentum.
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