Texas has loaded up with transfer playmakers like WR Cam Coleman, RB Raleek Brown, and RB Hollywood Smothers to complement QB Arch Manning's late-2025 surge. The Longhorns should be able to generate big plays against a Texas State defense that lacks the talent to match up, especially with Manning's confidence and the new weapons.

Will Muschamp's attacking defense, featuring press-man corners and double-A-gap pressure, replaces the bend-but-don't-break approach. With SEC sack leader Colin Simmons and playmaking safety Jelani McDonald, Texas should overwhelm Texas State's offense, but early-season communication issues could lead to a few big plays allowed.

Texas has a completely new kicking battery (kicker Gianni Spetic, punter Mac Chiumento, long-snapper Trey Dubuc) and a top punt returner in Ryan Niblett. In a season opener, any miscues in snapping or holding could be costly, but Niblett's return ability gives Texas a field-position edge.

Playing at home with a 2.9-point HFA advantage and overcast, 69°F conditions with 16 mph wind. The wind could affect deep passes and field goals, but Texas's running game with Brown and Smothers should thrive, and the defense's pressure may be even more disruptive.

Texas enters as a likely preseason top-5 team with national championship aspirations. The opener against an in-state Group of Five opponent is a must-win to build momentum, but the pressure to dominate could lead to early-game jitters or conservative play-calling if the offense stalls.

After a 2025 season where the offense failed to reach 400 total yards in any game following John Mateer's thumb surgery, the Sooners' Week 1 performance against UTEP will be a critical indicator of whether Mateer's offseason recovery and the offensive line's maturation have truly elevated the unit. The run game, which averaged only 3.5 yards per carry last year, must show improvement behind a more experienced line featuring left tackle Michael Fasusi.

Oklahoma returns key defensive playmakers like leading tackler Kip Lewis and sacks leader Taylor Wein, but depth is a concern. The secondary, anchored by the Bowen brothers (Peyton and Eli), will be tested early, and young players such as defensive end Danny Okoye and cornerback Jacobe Johnson need to step up. UTEP's offense will provide a first look at how well the defense can maintain its elite 2025 form (15.5 PPG allowed) despite roster turnover.

The forecast calls for 29 mph winds, which could significantly impact passing efficiency and kicking. Oklahoma's All-America kicker Tate Sandell (16-of-18 on 40+ yard FGs last year) may be less reliable in these conditions, and the Sooners might lean heavily on the run game with Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock. The wind also favors Oklahoma's defensive line, which can pressure UTEP's quarterback and disrupt timing.

Oklahoma enjoys a 2.6-point home-field advantage and opens the season at home against a UTEP team with no prior game data. The Sooners have had a full offseason to prepare, and the crowd should provide energy. However, the lack of game reps could lead to early rust, especially on offense, making it crucial for Oklahoma to establish rhythm quickly.

With strong winds, punter Grayson Miller (45.8-yard average) and returner Isaiah Sategna III (elusive in space) could be pivotal. Sategna's punt return ability might flip field position, while Miller's leg can pin UTEP deep. Conversely, Sandell's field goal range may be limited, so Oklahoma's red-zone efficiency will be tested.