Oklahoma prepares for home season opener against UTEP on Friday

The Oklahoma Sooners host the UTEP Miners for the opening game of their 2026 season this Friday at 7 p.m. in Norman. Brent Venables returns for the Sooners, who hold a 5-0 all-time record against the Miners. UTEP, now a member of the Mountain West Conference, enters the matchup following a 2-10 campaign in 2025. Scotty Walden leads the Miners in his third season at the program, relying on incoming transfer quarterback EJ Colson to spark the offense. Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle plans to open the season by emphasizing the run game while providing playing time to younger roster members. The Sooners look to build momentum before facing a more difficult schedule in the weeks ahead.

• 8:11 PMYahoo Sports — Know Your Foe: Oklahoma vs. UTEP