The Oklahoma Sooners open the 2026 season on Friday night when they welcome the UTEP Miners to Norman, Okla. It's the first step for an Oklahoma Sooners team with big aspirations in 2026.
Oklahoma enters year five of the Brent Venables era, coming off the second 10-win season in Brent Venables tenure as head coach and OU's first College Football Playoff appearance since 2019.
They'll host a UTEP team that's coming off a 2-10 season but played Texas to a 27-10 loss in 2025. The Miners are in year one in the Mountain West after spending the previous two decades in Conference USA. It's year three of the Scotty Waldon era in El Paso. The Miners are just 5-19 in his two seasons at the helm.
The Sooners open as heavy favorites, according to BetMGM. In
2025, OU went 6-6-1 against the spread. With what's expected to be a better offense in 2026, Oklahoma will have a greater likelihood of covering, especially a larger spread like the one they'll be up against to start the season.
Oklahoma enters the season with something to prove after reaching the playoff, but lost a big lead at home against Alabama. This is the best team the Oklahoma Sooners have had since Brent Venables arrived in Norman. The best way to get off to a good start to the season is to earn a big win against the spread.
Stream Oklahoma vs. UTEP on ESPN+
Oklahoma vs. UTEP odds, money line, over/under
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Sunday, Aug. 30
- Moneyline: N/A
- Spread: Oklahoma by 42
- Over/under: 50.5
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma Sooners open as heavy favorites in Week 1
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
