TENSION IN OKLAHOMA: John Mateer confirmed he might not be participating in Week 6’s game against Texas Longhorns for a single reason given by the team’s management….

TENSION IN OKLAHOMA: John Mateer confirmed he might not be participating in Week 6’s game against Texas Longhorns for a single reason given by the team’s management….

 

Tension is building around the Oklahoma Sooners as they prepare for one of the biggest games on their schedule, with quarterback John Mateer’s status becoming one of the major storylines heading into the Red River Rivalry against the Texas Longhorns. The matchup is scheduled for Saturday, October 10, at the Cotton Bowl, with No. 1 Texas entering the game undefeated while Oklahoma comes in at 2-2.

 

Mateer has been Oklahoma’s starting quarterback throughout the season, but the Sooners have faced growing questions about the position following an inconsistent opening stretch. Through four games, he has thrown for 883 yards and eight touchdowns, while also recording four interceptions. More importantly, Oklahoma’s offense has struggled to consistently produce against strong competition, creating uncertainty about whether the coaching staff will continue with Mateer throughout the rivalry game.

 

 

 

The concern surrounding Mateer is not being driven primarily by a new physical injury. Instead, the biggest issue appears to be his recent performance and the coaching staff’s desire to find an offensive spark. Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables has acknowledged that the program is evaluating its quarterback situation, while backup quarterbacks Bowe Bentley and Whitt Newbauer have received additional practice repetitions.

 

That development has immediately put Mateer under the spotlight. For a quarterback preparing to face the No. 1 team in the country, knowing that other players are receiving increased opportunities during practice can create enormous pressure. The situation is especially significant because the Texas game is one of the most anticipated games of the season and leaves little room for offensive mistakes.

 

Oklahoma’s offensive struggles have been difficult to ignore. The Sooners have reportedly averaged only 11.5 points per game against Power Four opponents with Mateer at quarterback. The struggles became particularly noticeable during the 41-13 loss to Georgia, when Oklahoma was unable to generate enough offensive momentum to remain competitive for most of the game.

 

 

 

Venables has nevertheless stopped short of announcing that Mateer has been removed from the starting position. His public comments have continued to identify Mateer as Oklahoma’s starting quarterback, while leaving the possibility of changes open. That distinction is important because it means Mateer’s position is under evaluation rather than officially lost.

 

The situation has also generated questions about how much Mateer could play even if he remains involved against Texas. The coaching staff could decide to keep him as the starter while preparing a backup for a larger role if the offense struggles. Alternatively, the Sooners could make a more dramatic change before kickoff. At this stage, the uncertainty itself has become one of the biggest stories surrounding Oklahoma.

 

For Mateer, the timing could hardly be more challenging. Texas is currently ranked No. 1 and has opened the season 4-0. The Longhorns are coming off a bye week and will enter the rivalry game with considerable confidence. Oklahoma, meanwhile, is attempting to recover from a difficult stretch and find an offensive identity before facing one of the strongest teams in the country.

 

The pressure on Mateer is also intensified by expectations surrounding his return to Oklahoma for the 2026 season. After transferring from Washington State, he entered the year with considerable attention and expectations. His previous production at Washington State established him as a quarterback capable of making explosive plays, and Oklahoma expected that ability to translate into a productive campaign.

 

Instead, the opening weeks have been much more difficult. Turnovers have been particularly damaging. Mateer has been responsible for six turnovers across the last three games, according to reporting following Oklahoma’s loss to Georgia. Venables has repeatedly emphasized the importance of protecting the football, making ball security a major point of emphasis as the Sooners prepare for Texas.

 

Despite the criticism, Mateer has not appeared ready to step away from the challenge. Following the bye week, he spoke about using the break as an opportunity to reset and regain his confidence. He also emphasized the support he has received from his teammates and coaches, suggesting that he remains fully invested in helping Oklahoma turn its season around.

 

That support could become crucial against Texas. A quarterback struggling with confidence can sometimes respond with his best performance when given an opportunity on a major stage. The Red River Rivalry has produced unexpected performances throughout its history, and Mateer will have an opportunity to change the narrative surrounding him if he receives the start.

 

Oklahoma defensive back Peyton Bowen has also publicly backed Mateer during the difficult period. Bowen described him as a strong leader and teammate and encouraged him to regain his confidence. His comments illustrate the internal support Mateer continues to receive despite the external pressure surrounding the quarterback position.

 

Still, the coaching staff has a difficult decision to make. Against an opponent as talented as Texas, Oklahoma cannot afford extended offensive struggles. The Longhorns possess enough defensive talent to punish mistakes, meaning Oklahoma will need efficient quarterback play, improved protection and better decision-making if it hopes to remain competitive.

 

This is why the additional repetitions given to Bentley and Newbauer have attracted so much attention. Their increased involvement does not necessarily mean that Mateer will be replaced, but it demonstrates that the coaching staff is preparing for multiple possibilities. Venables has indicated that the evaluation process is ongoing, leaving the door open for a decision closer to kickoff.

 

The situation also carries significance beyond a single regular-season game. Oklahoma is entering a critical portion of its schedule, and another difficult offensive performance could force the program to reconsider its approach at quarterback. Conversely, a strong showing from Mateer against Texas could quickly silence many of the questions that have surrounded him since the beginning of the season.

 

For now, the central issue is clear: Mateer’s potential absence from a major Week 6 matchup would be tied to the coaching staff’s concerns about quarterback performance and offensive production rather than an officially announced new injury. The Sooners have not publicly confirmed that he will miss the game, and Venables has continued to describe him as the starting quarterback.

 

That leaves Oklahoma fans waiting for the final decision. With the No. 1 Texas Longhorns approaching and the rivalry game carrying enormous national attention, every practice repetition and every coaching comment will be closely watched. Mateer still has a path to leading the Sooners onto the field, but the uncertainty surrounding his role has created an atmosphere of tension in Norman.

 

The Red River Rivalry has never lacked drama, and this year’s matchup already has another compelling storyline. Whether Mateer gets the opportunity to lead Oklahoma against Texas or watches from the sideline, the quarterback decision could have a major influence on the direction of the Sooners’ season. For now, all eyes remain on Oklahoma’s coaching staff as the program weighs its most important offensive decision of the week.