The Oklahoma Sooners secured a significant 24-13 victory over the Michigan Wolverines in a college football game on September 6, 2025, with quarterback John Mateer’s fearless and dynamic play leading the charge. His performance, which included both passing and rushing touchdowns, was instrumental in overcoming a tough Michigan defense and setting the stage for Oklahoma’s promising season.
The game began with Oklahoma establishing an early lead, scoring on their first possession through a clever pop pass from Mateer to wide receiver Deion Burks. Mateer added a 2-yard rushing touchdown late in the second quarter, capitalizing on his agility and the offensive line’s support to give the Sooners a 14-0 halftime advantage. Michigan’s defense, while aggressive, struggled to contain Mateer’s improvisational skills, and their offense found limited opportunities against Oklahoma’s stout defensive front.
Mateer finished the game with impressive stats, completing 21 of 34 passes for 270 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while also rushing 19 times for 74 yards and two scores. His dual-threat ability was a constant challenge for Michigan, and Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables praised his fearlessness and strength, noting his capacity to make critical plays under pressure. This versatility reminded many of past greats, as Mateer joined an elite group of players with consecutive games featuring both a passing and rushing touchdown.
Michigan attempted a comeback in the third quarter with a spectacular 75-yard touchdown run by Justice Haynes, which cut the deficit to 14-7 and injected energy into the Wolverines’ sideline. However, Mateer quickly responded by leading a efficient drive that ended with his second rushing touchdown, a 10-yard scamper, to extend Oklahoma’s lead to 21-7. The Wolverines’ offense, led by freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, who completed only 9 of 24 passes for 142 yards, could not sustain drives or capitalize on key moments.
Key highlights included Mateer’s risky yet effective throws, such as a 36-yard strike to Isaiah Sategna that set up a score, and a daring off-balance pass to Jaren Kanak in the fourth quarter that kept a crucial drive alive. These plays underscored his confidence and the coaching staff’s trust in his decision-making, even when it bordered on reckless. Despite an early interception and some near-misses, Mateer’s aggressive style ultimately paid dividends for Oklahoma.
Defensively, Oklahoma was dominant, limiting Michigan to 13 points and recording multiple tackles for loss, with linebacker Kendal Daniels standout performance including 2.5 tackles for loss. The Sooners’ defense effectively smothered Underwood, disrupted Michigan’s rushing game, and capitalized on mistakes like a muffed punt to maintain control. This defensive effort complemented Mateer’s offensive fireworks and was crucial in securing the win.
Oklahoma sealed the victory with a methodical 16-play, 78-yard drive in the fourth quarter that consumed over eight minutes and resulted in a field goal by Tate Sandell, making the score 24-13. This drive demonstrated Oklahoma’s ability to control the clock through a balanced mix of runs and short passes, effectively icing the game and denying Michigan any chance of a late comeback. It highlighted the team’s maturity and strategic execution under pressure.
Looking ahead, this win boosts Oklahoma’s confidence as they prepare for upcoming games, including a matchup against Temple before entering a challenging SEC schedule. Mateer’s performance positions him as a potential Heisman Trophy contender, while Michigan must address offensive inconsistencies to compete in the competitive Big Ten conference. The game underscored the importance of quarterback play and defensive resilience in high-stakes college football matchups.