South Carolina's offensive line is a major weakness, with starting tackle Josiah Thompson out for the year and Jacarrius Peak questionable. The unit allowed 43 sacks last season (15th in SEC). Against Kent State, the Gamecocks must protect LaNorris Sellers and establish the run to avoid repeating last year's offensive struggles.

Sellers is an elite athlete who can be a mismatch for defenders when given designed runs and quick passes. New coordinator Kendal Briles is expected to emphasize Sellers' running ability to overcome line issues. Against a weaker opponent like Kent State, this should be a focal point to build confidence and rhythm.

Dylan Stewart (back from injury) and Julian Walker form a potentially fearsome pass-rushing duo. Stewart was double-teamed often last year but still had 12 TFLs. Kent State's offensive line should be overmatched, allowing South Carolina's defense to generate pressure and force turnovers, setting a positive tone for the season.

South Carolina opens at home with a 2.8-point HFA and clear, mild weather (60°F, 7 mph wind). This is ideal for implementing Briles' new offense and for Sellers to operate. The Gamecocks should capitalize on this comfortable environment to execute cleanly and avoid the slow starts that plagued them last year.

After a 4-8 season marked by offensive ineptitude (15th in SEC scoring, 14th in rushing), South Carolina must establish a consistent attack from the start. Kent State is a favorable opponent to build confidence, but the Gamecocks cannot afford to sputter; a strong performance is critical for team morale and to validate the new coordinator's system.

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.