The Oklahoma Sooners couldn’t have asked for a better start to the 2026 season.
Oklahoma completely dominated UTEP on Friday night, cruising to a 51-0 shutout victory in Norman. The Sooners controlled the game from the opening kickoff and never gave the Miners a chance to get comfortable.
With a difficult schedule ahead, Oklahoma used its season opener to send an early message.
John Mateer Makes an Impression
The biggest storyline coming out of the game was quarterback John Mateer.
In his first game of the season, Mateer completed 11 of 17 passes for 225 yards and three touchdowns before his night came to an end. He showed impressive efficiency and made several big plays through the air.
Mateer connected with several different weapons, including touchdown passes to R Mason Beers, Isaiah Sategna III and T. Harris.
If Friday night is any indication, Oklahoma could have a quarterback capable of making a major impact throughout the season.
Oklahoma Dominates From Start to Finish
The Sooners wasted no time taking control.
Lloyd Avant opened the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run, and Isaiah Sategna III followed with an explosive punt return touchdown. Mateer then connected with Beers for a 40-yard touchdown to give Oklahoma a 21-0 advantage after the first quarter.
Oklahoma continued to pile on points in the second quarter, adding two field goals to take a 27-0 lead into halftime.
The Sooners then scored 24 more points in the second half, turning the game into a complete blowout.
The Defense Was Outstanding
While the offense received plenty of attention, Oklahoma’s defense deserves just as much credit.
The Sooners held UTEP scoreless for all four quarters and never allowed the Miners to build any momentum. A shutout in the season opener is exactly what Brent Venables wanted to see from his defense.
It was a complete performance on both sides of the football.
Now Comes Michigan
The Sooners won’t have much time to celebrate.
Oklahoma’s next game is arguably one of the biggest tests of the season, as the Sooners travel to Ann Arbor to take on Michigan on September 12.
That game will provide a much better indication of just how good this Oklahoma team can be.
But after Friday night’s performance, the Sooners certainly look ready for the challenge.
Oklahoma opened the 2026 season with a statement. A 51-0 shutout, an impressive debut from John Mateer and dominant play on both sides of the ball have the Sooners looking like a team that could make serious noise in the SEC this season.
