The Oklahoma Sooners begin their 2026 season Friday night when they host UTEP at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman.
The Sooners enter the season ranked No. 10 in the AP Top 25 and are coming off a 10-3 campaign in 2025. Oklahoma also reached the College Football Playoff last season, raising expectations for Brent Venables and his team in their third season in the SEC.
UTEP enters the matchup as a significant underdog but has a new starting quarterback capable of making plays with his arm and legs. EJ Colson Jr. transferred from UIW after completing 70.9% of his passes in 10 starts last season, throwing for 16 touchdowns against four interceptions while adding 287 rushing yards and three scores.
How to Watch UTEP at No. 10 Oklahoma
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma
- TV: SEC Network+
- Live Stream: ESPN+ and ESPN Unlimited, with YouTube TV carrying the service
UTEP: Scotty Walden enters his third season as head coach, with Colson starting at quarterback. The Miners also return several experienced contributors, including wide receiver Jaden Smith and linebacker Jayden Wilson. UTEP has undergone significant roster changes while transitioning into its first season in the Mountain West.
Oklahoma: Venables begins his fifth season leading the Sooners. John Mateer is Oklahoma’s starting quarterback after establishing himself as the team’s starter heading into 2026. Behind him, Oklahoma has focused on developing a young backup quarterback group.
Oklahoma will look to start its SEC campaign with a convincing performance before traveling to Michigan next week.
College Football Conference Predictions
Athlon Sports predicts the finishing order for teams in the following conferences:
- ACC
- American
- Big 12
- Big Ten
- Conference USA
- MAC
- Mountain West
- Pac-12
- SEC
- Sun Belt
