Another weekend of college football brings us what might be one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. John Mateerās Oklahoma Sooners will go head-to-head with Arch Manningās Texas Longhorns in a showdown that could set the tone for both programs moving forward.
There was plenty of speculation surrounding the availability of the Soonersā quarterback due to his injury, especially after he was listed as āquestionableā on the initial SEC availability report released Wednesday, October 8.
However, according to the latest reports, Mateer will start in this crucial matchup for Oklahoma.
āSooners QB John Mateer is suiting up for the Red River Rivalry just 19 days after hand surgery,ā it was reported via @YahooSports.
John Mateer at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 20, 2025 in Norman, Oklahoma.
What happened to Mateer?
John Mateer, the early Heisman favorite, sustained a broken bone in his throwing hand during the win against Auburn. After undergoing surgery, the quarterback is surprisingly set to return to the field alongside his teammates this afternoon at the Cotton Bowl.
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Beating the eternal rival
A triumph over Steve Sarkisianās Texas Longhorns in the Red River Rivalry is far more than just a win for Brent Venables and the No. 6 Oklahoma Soonersāitās a statement of national relevance and a monumental validation of his programās trajectory.
Securing a victory, particularly with quarterback uncertainty, would firmly solidify the Sooners as bona fide College Football Playoff and SEC title contenders. For Venables, whose tenure has been scrutinized by the demanding OU fanbase, it is a crucial signature win that proves his defensive resurgence is real and establishes supremacy over their fiercest rival in the new conference landscape.
