The Miners begin their first Mountain West season with one of the biggest challenges on the schedule, traveling to Norman to face No. 10 Oklahoma.
The wait is over.
UTEP football officially opens the 2026 season tonight when the Miners travel to Norman to take on the No. 10 Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT, with the game streaming on SEC Network+.
For UTEP, this isn’t just the beginning of another season.
It’s the beginning of a new era.
After 21 seasons in Conference USA, the Miners officially joined the Mountain West on July 1. Their first game as a Mountain West program comes against one of college football’s premier programs.
And while Oklahoma enters as a heavy favorite, UTEP has plenty to prove.
A Massive Opening Challenge
Oklahoma enters the season ranked No. 10 and is preparing for its third season as a member of the SEC.
The Sooners finished 10-3 overall and 6-2 in SEC play in 2025, making tonight an enormous challenge for UTEP. Oklahoma also holds a 5-0 all-time record against the Miners.
The most recent meeting came in 2022, when Oklahoma defeated UTEP 45-13 in Norman.
But this year’s UTEP team looks considerably different.
Head coach Scotty Walden has brought in a large group of newcomers, including quarterback EJ Colson Jr. and El Paso running back Tavorus Jones. UTEP signed 46 new players during the 2026 recruiting cycle.
Key UTEP Players to Watch
EJ Colson Jr. — Quarterback
Perhaps the biggest question entering the season is what Colson can do against an SEC defense.
The redshirt sophomore quarterback transferred to UTEP from UIW after an impressive 2025 season. Colson accounted for 19 touchdowns, including 16 passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns, while completing more than 70% of his passes.
Tonight will be a major opportunity for Colson.
If UTEP wants to stay competitive, it will need its quarterback to make smart decisions, avoid turnovers and take advantage of opportunities when they come.
Tavorus Jones — Running Back
Jones might be one of the most intriguing players on the field for UTEP.
The El Paso native returns home after spending the previous three seasons at Missouri.
The Burges High School product rushed for more than 3,580 yards during his high school career, giving UTEP a talented and physical option in the backfield.
Against Oklahoma, Jones could be critical.
A strong rushing performance would help UTEP control the clock, keep Oklahoma’s offense off the field and take some pressure off Colson.
Jaden Smith — Wide Receiver
UTEP also has experience returning at wide receiver in Jaden Smith.
The redshirt senior missed the 2025 season because of injury but returns in 2026. Before the injury, Smith started four games in 2024 and caught 21 passes for 177 yards.
He also brings significant experience from Eastern Kentucky, where he totaled 1,922 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns over three seasons.
If Oklahoma focuses heavily on UTEP’s rushing attack, Smith could become an important target for Colson.
Jayden Wilson — Linebacker
On defense, Wilson could be one of UTEP’s most important players.
The El Paso native led the Miners with 92 tackles in 2025, while also recording eight tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception.
Against Oklahoma, UTEP’s defense will have to play fast and tackle well.
Wilson’s ability to make plays in the middle of the field will be especially important.
Justin Content — Cornerback
Content gives UTEP experience in the secondary.
The junior cornerback started 11 games last season and finished with 58 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and an interception.
He was also selected to Phil Steele’s 2026 preseason Mountain West second team.
With Oklahoma’s passing attack presenting a major challenge, Content could see plenty of action tonight.
Oklahoma Players to Watch
John Mateer — Quarterback
Oklahoma’s offense will be led by redshirt senior quarterback John Mateer, who was featured prominently by the Sooners throughout preseason camp and at SEC Media Days.
UTEP’s secondary will have to find a way to pressure Mateer without giving up explosive plays.
David Stone — Defensive Line
Stone is another major problem for the Miners.
The junior defensive lineman was named to the preseason All-SEC second team after recording 42 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in 2025.
He also led Oklahoma’s defensive linemen in tackles last season.
His matchup against UTEP’s offensive line will be one of the biggest battles to watch.
Michael Fasusi — Offensive Line
Fasusi could be equally important for Oklahoma.
The sophomore offensive lineman started 10 of 11 games as a true freshman last season, including each of the Sooners’ final nine games, and earned true freshman All-American recognition from On3.
His ability to help Oklahoma establish the line of scrimmage could have a major impact on the game.
What UTEP Needs to Do
There is no mystery about the challenge facing the Miners.
UTEP needs to:
Win the turnover battle.
Giving Oklahoma extra possessions could make an already difficult matchup nearly impossible.
Run the football.
Jones and the UTEP rushing attack need to keep the Sooners from simply pinning their ears back against Colson.
Create pressure.
The Miners can’t allow Mateer to sit comfortably in the pocket all night.
Take advantage of opportunities.
When UTEP crosses midfield, points need to follow.
A New Era Begins in Norman
This is about more than one game.
UTEP begins its first season as a Mountain West program against a nationally ranked SEC opponent in one of college football’s most recognizable stadiums.
That’s a difficult way to start a season.
But it’s also an opportunity.
For Colson, Jones, Wilson, Content and the rest of the Miners, tonight is a chance to immediately show what this new-look UTEP football team can become.
The odds may be stacked against the Miners.
But that’s exactly what makes opening night in Norman so intriguing.
UTEP vs. No. 10 Oklahoma.
A new conference. A new season. A massive opportunity.
And it all starts tonight.
