No. 10 Oklahoma opened its 2026 campaign in dominant fashion Friday night, defeating UTEP 51-0 at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman.

Quarterback John Mateer led the Sooners’ offense, completing 11 of 17 passes for 225 yards and three touchdowns before leaving the game late in the third quarter. His touchdown passes included scores of 40 yards to Rocky Beers, 34 yards to Isaiah Sategna III and 48 yards to Trell Harris.

Sategna also provided one of the game's biggest plays on special teams, returning a UTEP punt 88 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. The return marked Oklahoma’s first punt-return touchdown since the 2023 season opener.

Oklahoma led 21-0 after the opening quarter and extended its advantage to 27-0 by halftime. The Sooners added 17 points in the third quarter before backup quarterback Whitt Newbauer capped the scoring with a three-yard touchdown run in the fourth.

Oklahoma finished with 401 total yards, including 170 rushing yards. Running back Lloyd Avant led the Sooners on the ground with 79 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.

The Oklahoma defense also controlled the game throughout the night, limiting UTEP to 198 yards and forcing two turnovers. The Miners managed just 10 first downs and went 2-for-13 on third down.

The victory gives Oklahoma a 1-0 start under head coach Brent Venables. The Sooners will face a significantly tougher test next week when they travel to Ann Arbor to take on No. 16 Michigan on September 12.