The dust has barely settled on the 2025 season, and honestly, Sooner Nation is still catching its breath. After a wild ride that ended in a hard-fought 34-24 loss to Alabama in the first round of the College Football Playoff on December 19, fans are already looking at the calendar. You've probably already circled it. September 5, 2026.
That’s when the Oklahoma football next game officially kicks off.
It’s a home opener at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium against UTEP. On paper? It looks like a standard "tune-up" game. But if you’ve been paying attention to the absolute blender that is the SEC and the roster gymnastics Brent Venables is currently performing, you know there’s nothing "standard" about it. This isn't just about beating a Conference USA team; it’s about proving that the 2025 playoff run wasn't a fluke.
The Long Wait for September 5, 2026
The college football offseason is a desert. We're currently sitting in that weird limbo where the transfer portal is humming, coaching carousels are spinning, and the actual game feels light-years away.
Basically, the Sooners are in "Team 132" mode.
When UTEP rolls into Norman, it will mark the start of Year 5 for Brent Venables. It's wild to think how fast time has moved since he took over. This game is technically the sixth time these two programs have met, and OU has never lost to the Miners. In fact, Venables' very first game as the head man in 2022 was against UTEP. Talk about a full-circle moment.
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But don't let the opponent fool you. The stakes for this specific "next game" are massive because of what follows. Just seven days later, Oklahoma has to travel to Ann Arbor to face Michigan. You can't afford a slow start or a "hangover" performance in the opener when a trip to the Big House is looming in Week 2.
Why John Mateer’s Return Changes Everything
If you were looking for a reason to be optimistic while waiting for the Oklahoma football next game, look no further than January 15, 2026. That’s the day quarterback John Mateer decided to set the internet on fire.
By choosing to forgo the NFL Draft and return for his redshirt senior season, Mateer gave this program something it hasn’t had in a while: stabilized elite leadership at the most important position on the field.
Last season, Mateer was a human highlight reel. He threw for nearly 2,900 yards and rushed for another 431. He was the reason the Sooners pushed Alabama to the brink in the playoffs. Having him back means the offense won't be "rebuilding" when UTEP comes to town; they’ll be reloading.
The New Weapons in the Arsenal
It’s not just the guys returning, though. The roster you see in the next game will look significantly different thanks to some serious portal shopping. Ben Arbuckle, the offensive coordinator, has to be salivating at these additions:
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- Parker Livingstone: The 6-foot-4 transfer from Texas. Yeah, you read that right. Taking a playmaker from the Longhorns always feels a little sweeter.
- Hayden Hansen: A massive get at tight end from Florida. With the hiring of Jason Witten as the new tight ends coach—which is still a "pinch me" move for many fans—Hansen is expected to be a focal point of the passing game.
- Xavier Robinson: Expect him to take the lion's share of carries now that Taylor Tatum and Jovantae Barnes have moved on.
The Brutal 2026 Schedule Gauntlet
The Oklahoma football next game is the gateway to what might be the toughest schedule in school history. We aren't in the Big 12 anymore, and the SEC isn't doing anyone any favors.
After UTEP and the Michigan road trip, things don't get easier. The Sooners have to go to Athens to play Georgia on September 26. That’s three potential Top 15 matchups in the first month of the season.
Honestly, the middle of the schedule is just as terrifying. You’ve got the Red River Rivalry against Texas on October 10 in Dallas, followed by home games against Kentucky and South Carolina. Then comes a November stretch that features road trips to Florida and Missouri, with a home finale against Texas A&M.
If Oklahoma doesn't look sharp in that first game against UTEP, the wheels could get shaky fast.
Defensive Identity Under Venables
On the other side of the ball, the "next game" will be the first look at a post-Kobie McKinzie defense. While losing McKinzie to the portal (Northwestern) stung, getting Kip Lewis to return was monumental. Lewis is the heartbeat of that unit.
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The defense ranked in the top 15 nationally last year, which is exactly what Venables was hired to do. But with several key departures in the secondary, like Gentry Williams and Kendel Dolby, the UTEP game will be a trial by fire for the younger DBs and transfers like Dakoda Fields from Oregon.
We’re also seeing a lot of buzz around Cole Sullivan, the linebacker transfer from Michigan. If he can replicate his breakout sophomore season performance, the Sooners' front six might be even nastier than last year.
What to Watch for in the Season Opener
When you're sitting in the stands (or on your couch) for the Oklahoma football next game, don't just watch the scoreboard. Watch the "how."
- Offensive Line Continuity: Bill Bedenbaugh is a wizard, but losing guys like Jacob Sexton and Troy Everett means the new look O-line needs to mesh immediately. Watch how they protect Mateer against a Miner blitz.
- The Jason Witten Effect: How do the tight ends look? Under the previous regime, the position felt underutilized. With a future Hall of Famer coaching them, expect a lot more 12-personnel and middle-of-the-field targets.
- Special Teams Spark: Doug Deakin is entering his second year as special teams coordinator. In close SEC games, field position is everything. Look for improved return yardage from guys like Lloyd Avant.
Actionable Steps for Sooner Fans
If you're already counting down the days, here is how you can stay locked in before the Oklahoma football next game:
- Secure your tickets early: With the Michigan and Georgia games creating massive hype, home tickets for the UTEP opener and the SEC home slate (South Carolina, Alabama, Ole Miss) are going to go fast. Check the Sooner Sports official site for single-game releases.
- Track the Spring Game: Keep an eye out for the date of the annual Red-White game in April. That’s your first real chance to see the new transfers in action.
- Monitor the February Signing Day: While the early window is closed, there are always a few late additions or final portal moves that could change the depth chart before fall camp.
The road to the 2026 National Championship starts on a Saturday in early September. It starts with UTEP. And for a program that finally feels like it has its "SEC legs" under it, that first game can't get here soon enough.