Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer appears to be trending in the right direction as the highly anticipated Red River Rivalry matchup against Texas draws near. After undergoing surgery on his throwing hand just over two weeks ago, Mateer has reportedly made significant progress in his recovery, giving the Sooners a potential boost at a crucial time in their season. Though Oklahoma’s coaching staff has been cautious in their updates, several reports suggest Mateer is pushing hard to be available for Saturday’s game, and optimism is growing that he could see the field in some capacity.

Mateer injured his hand during the September 20th game against Auburn, an injury that required immediate surgical intervention. Initial reports estimated that he could miss up to a month, which would have ruled him out of the Texas game. However, his recovery has moved faster than expected. Sources close to the program have said Mateer has responded well to treatment and has been working behind the scenes to stay ready, mentally and physically, for a potential return. As of Thursday, he was upgraded from “questionable” to “probable” on the SEC’s availability report, a promising sign that he could be cleared to play.

Before the injury, Mateer was enjoying a breakout season. In four starts, he threw for over 1,200 yards with six touchdowns and added nearly 200 rushing yards and five rushing scores. His dual-threat capabilities made him a nightmare for defenses, and he was becoming the centerpiece of Oklahoma’s offense. His timing, mobility, and poise in the pocket gave the Sooners a balanced and dangerous attack. Losing him for any stretch was a setback, but with a key rivalry game on the horizon, the possibility of his return changes the entire dynamic of the matchup.

In Mateer’s absence, redshirt freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. stepped into the starting role and performed admirably in a 44–0 win over Kent State. Hawkins threw three touchdown passes and ran for another, showcasing strong command of the offense. Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables praised Hawkins’s preparation and maturity, noting that the team has full confidence in him if called upon again. Still, there’s no denying that a healthy Mateer gives Oklahoma their best chance to win against a top-tier Texas team.

As of now, it remains unclear who will get the start on Saturday. The coaching staff has not committed publicly, and sources indicate that Mateer has yet to take full-contact reps in practice. Whether he plays may come down to how his hand responds to more intense work in the final days before the game. Coaches, trainers, and team doctors will be watching closely to see if he can grip the ball securely and make throws at game speed. While the team doesn’t want to rush him back too soon, the magnitude of the game and Mateer’s competitiveness may factor into the decision.

The Red River Rivalry is one of the most storied and intense matchups in college football. With both Oklahoma and Texas entering the game undefeated and ranked in the top ten, the stakes are as high as ever. A win not only secures bragging rights but keeps both programs firmly in the College Football Playoff conversation. Mateer’s availability could be the X-factor in determining which side comes out on top. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has said his team will prepare as if Mateer is going to play, acknowledging that he fundamentally changes the way Oklahoma operates on offense.

If Mateer is cleared, it’s possible he may not be at full strength. Even with a “probable” designation, there’s a wide range of how much he could be used. The coaching staff could limit his throws, use him in specific situations, or opt to keep him as an emergency option behind Hawkins. The decision will likely come down to how confident they feel in his mobility, ball control, and ability to protect himself from further injury. The last thing Oklahoma wants is to risk long-term damage to their starting quarterback, especially if the injury hasn’t fully healed.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as more information becomes available. Mateer is expected to travel with the team to Dallas and could take part in pre-game warmups. If he’s seen throwing comfortably and participating fully, that would strongly indicate he’s ready to go. If he’s limited or absent, it could be a sign that Oklahoma is leaning toward caution. Either way, the Sooners will need strong quarterback play to keep pace with a Texas team that boasts one of the best defenses in the country.

As kickoff approaches, the situation remains fluid. What’s clear is that Mateer is doing everything he can to be available, and his progress in the days leading up to the game has sparked hope within the program. Whether he starts, shares time with Hawkins, or sits out another week, his presence on the sideline and in the locker room remains a valuable asset to the team. For now, Oklahoma fans are holding their breath, hoping their quarterback will be ready to lead them into one of the biggest games of the season.