OU football vs UTEP TV channel, odds, scouting report for Sooners-Miners

NORMAN — Oklahoma 's season opens this week.

The Sooners host UTEP at 7 p.m. Friday at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

Here's a look at what you need to know about the game:

OU football QB John Mateer, Sooners practice in 2026 preseason, see top photos

Where: Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium

Best player: Transfer wide receiver Carver Cheeks caught 71 passes for 926 yards and six touchdowns last season at Northern Colorado. He gives transfer quarterback EJ Colson a dangerous offensive weapon that could make some noise in the Mountain West.

The case for UTEP: As evident by the blowout spread, there isn't much of a case here. Miners coach Scotty Walden has won just five total games in his first two years at the helm and UTEP doesn't project to be better in 2026. This would be an all-time upset.

The case for OU: Think of this game like a preseason contest. Quarterback John Mateer will get a chance to show what he's improved on while coach Brent Venables' ferocious defense should feast against a lowly opponent. It'll also be a good opportunity for OU to play plenty of its backups.

Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com .

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