Brent Venables seeks aggressive play for Oklahoma football season opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 8:26 PM

Last updated Aug 31, 2026

Brent Venables seeks aggressive play for Oklahoma football season opener

Summary

Oklahoma football head coach Brent Venables plans to emphasize physicality and offensive balance as the team prepares to face UTEP this Friday. The matchup is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Coming off a season where the Sooners ranked 104th nationally in rushing, the coaching staff intends to prioritize an aggressive mentality to support quarterback John Mateer and the passing game. Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle credited the rebuilt tight end position under coach Jason Witten for providing necessary versatility. Additionally, receiver Elijah Thomas has earned a co-starter role after an offseason focused on fundamental development and route running. Venables highlighted team cohesion and experience as major factors, noting that a significant portion of the depth chart consists of upperclassmen.

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Key Details

•Oklahoma hosts UTEP in the season opener Friday at 7 p.m.
•Coach Brent Venables is prioritizing physical play and offensive versatility.
•Elijah Thomas earned a co-starter receiver position following an offseason of development.
•The offense will feature schemes designed to improve rushing output compared to last year.
•Forty-three of the 70 players on the depth chart have three or more years of experience.

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