The Oklahoma Sooners, ranked No. 10 in the nation, are set to begin their 2026 college football season with a matchup against the UTEP Miners on Friday night. This game marks an important start for the Sooners, who are looking to build on their successful campaign last year that culminated in a College Football Playoff appearance.
Last season, Oklahoma finished with a record of 10-3, showcasing a strong performance throughout the year. However, their playoff journey ended in a first-round defeat against Alabama, a rematch that did not go in their favor after they had previously secured a thrilling victory in Tuscaloosa during the regular season. In contrast, the Miners struggled last year, concluding their season with a disappointing 2-10 record.
Leading the Sooners' offense is quarterback John Mateer, who returns for his senior season after a solid performance last year. Mateer threw for 2,885 yards and added 431 rushing yards, demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities. While his numbers were not as impressive as his previous season at Washington State, he has developed a strong understanding of Oklahoma's offensive system, which bodes well for his performance this year.
On the other side, UTEP will be relying on quarterback EJ Colson, who transferred after a productive season at Incarnate Word where he threw for 2,142 yards and 16 touchdowns. Colson's ability to lead the Miners' offense will be crucial as they aim to improve upon last season's struggles.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. ET at Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. Fans eager to watch the Sooners take the field will find that the game will not be broadcast on traditional television. Instead, it will be available for streaming on SEC Network+, which can be accessed through the ESPN app. This provides an opportunity for fans to enjoy the game live, even without a cable subscription.
As the Sooners prepare for their opener, they also have a challenging schedule ahead, including a significant matchup against Michigan the following week. Their upcoming games include a home contest against New Mexico and a road game against Georgia, with a highly anticipated rivalry game against Texas scheduled for October.
Meanwhile, UTEP's schedule also features some notable matchups, including games against Texas Southern and Oregon State. As both teams look to establish momentum early in the season, this opening game will be a critical test for their respective aspirations.
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