No. 10 Oklahoma begins its 2026 season Friday night at home against UTEP, entering the game as a 41.5-point favorite. The Sooners are looking to build momentum for a demanding schedule that features a difficult road trip to Michigan on deck.
Oklahoma is coming off a College Football Playoff appearance last season, which ended with a loss to Alabama. Despite the strong defensive performance that carried the team for much of the previous year, questions remain about the offense. Quarterback John Mateer is considered a Heisman hopeful, but the team's running game is a concern, potentially placing too much pressure on the quarterback.
Last season, the offensive line struggled, contributing to Mateer's injury. While UTEP is not expected to pose a significant threat in the trenches, head coach Brent Venables and his staff are aiming to avoid any unnecessary risks with their quarterback against the schedule's perceived weakest opponent.
The Sooners return 11 of the 20 defenders who played over 200 snaps last season, with players at all defensive levels projected to play professionally. This strong defensive core is expected to be a key factor in Oklahoma's ability to navigate its challenging slate and contend in the SEC.