In the SEC you never know when you might be called upon to step up. The reality has hit home for Brent Venables and No. 7 Oklahoma as they move into their bye week with a perfect 4-0 record but an injured starting quarterback.
John Mateer, who had been generating considerable Heisman Trophy buzz thanks to his stellar performances, suffered a broken right hand during Saturday’s 24-10 victory over Auburn.
The Sooners announced earlier this week that he would require surgery to repair the injury. While Mateer is expected to make a return in about a month, the team now must rally around backup quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr.
Venables expressed confidence in Hawkins’ ability to lead the offense during this critical period.
“He’s done a great job just keeping his head down, improving his understanding of the offense and all the fundamentals of being a quarterback,” Venables said at a media availability on Thursday. “Leadership as well. Just has put together a really good body of work over the last several months. He’s always had a great work ethic. He’s always been really coachable. He’s hungry, he’s humble, and he’s ultra talented.”
Brent Venables talks about John Mateer coming back from his surgery and his faith in Michael Hawkins Jr. moving forward. #Sooners pic.twitter.com/m1wIJJjJfQ
— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) September 25, 2025Last season, Hawkins gained valuable experience playing in 7 games and making 4 starts for the Sooners. He threw for 783 yards and added 204 rushing yards while finishing with four total touchdowns against two interceptions.
As Oklahoma takes a much-needed bye week before facing Kent State in Week 6, they prepare for what lies ahead: A 7-game conference stretch featuring 6 ranked opponents. After the Kent State game, the Sooners face Texas in Dallas, travel to South Carolina, host Ole Miss, and then travel to Tennessee before another break in the schedule arrives. The challenge will be to adapt and adjust without Mateer, but Venables and the Sooners are rallying behind their next QB up.
Brent Venables confident in backup Oklahoma QB Michael Hawkins Jr. Saturday Down South.
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