John Mateer proves his toughness and grit for Oklahoma Sooners and boosts his NFL Draft stock following terrible hand injury
John Mateer is certified tough.
Toughness and leadership are aspects to a quarterback prospect’s profile that NFL teams absolutely care about. For Oklahoma Sooners QB John Mateer, both of those traits were on full display in the team’s latest win over SEC foe Auburn.
Mateer is set to undergo hand surgery due to a thumb injury he sustained early in that victory. The hurt thumb is on his throwing hand, understandably affecting his outlook for the remainder of the season. Even with that ailment, the QB boosted his 2026 NFL Draft stock against the Tigers.
John Mateer played through hand injury in win vs. Auburn
The Sooners quarterback suffered a hand injury during OU’s game against the Auburn Tigers. Instead of leaving the game, the Heisman Trophy candidate pushed through the pain and helped Oklahoma to a victory. Mateer was incredibly impressive in the fourth quarter, and nobody even knew that he had suffered such a serious injury earlier in the matchup.
“Mateer’s timeline to return is unknown at this point in time. On3’s Pete Nakos reported that there is some hope that Mateer could be back in time for the Red River Rivalry game, but it will all depend entirely on how his recovery goes. ESPN’s Pete Thamel called the surgery a “straightforward” surgery that will keep Mateer out for a full month.” — AJ Schulte
Mateer’s draft stock could climb even with injury
This injury, while an impactful one for the Sooners’ season and Mateer’s Heisman hopes, shouldn’t be one that heavily impacts his long-term future. With a full recovery, he could be back on the field rather soon. NFL teams will appreciate Mateer’s effort and grit in staying in the game against Auburn, though.
That should not be overlooked. He very easily could have weighed the possibility of further injuring the thumb, but he knew that he gave his team the best chance to earn the win. They did exactly that, and NFL scouts were in attendance.
Mateer plays with infectious energy on the field as well, and his demeanor has earned him trust inside the Sooners locker room after joining the roster this offseason through the transfer portal. Even in limited time around his teammates, they understand what he is about and know that he has their backs. Now, those players will need to pick up the Sooners while he’s out.
As far as pro projections, way-too-early mock drafts have often included Mateer in the first round. His play-making ability with his legs, confidence, and arm talent have all played factors in this projection for his future.
Mateer will certainly want to get back into the action to help OU win games, but he also did himself a favor for down the road with his strong performance against Auburn. The NFL will take notice.
Oklahoma Sooners News
John Mateer proves his clutch gene is capable of winning the Oklahoma Sooners any game on their schedule
John Mateer proved his clutch ability to lead the Oklahoma Sooners to wins against the Auburn Tigers
