UTEP Miners

UTEP opened the season with a 51-0 loss at No. 10 Oklahoma, a result that underscored the talent and depth gap between the Miners and elite programs. The offense managed just 198 total yards and drove into field goal range twice in the first half, but both attempts were missed, leaving the team scoreless. The defense was on the field for Oklahoma's first eight possessions and allowed points on all of them. The loss was not unexpected, but it showed that the rebuilt offensive line, with four transfers starting together for the first time, struggled to protect quarterback EJ Colson and create running lanes against a top-tier defensive front.

EJ Colson, the FCS transfer from Incarnate Word, is the centerpiece of UTEP's hopes to revive an offense that ranked 112th in total yards last season. He brought dual-threat ability, having averaged nearly 12 carries per game and rushed for three touchdowns in 2025, but against Oklahoma he had little room to operate. The Miners need Colson to be a playmaker with both his arm and his legs, but the offensive line's inexperience is a major concern. If Colson can get time and use his mobility to extend drives, the offense could improve, but the early returns are not encouraging.

UTEP's defense ranked 110th in points allowed last year, and the opener did little to suggest major improvement. The secondary, led by safety Xavier Smith and corner Justin Content, was expected to be the strength, but Oklahoma's receivers were able to get open downfield. Linebacker Jayden Wilson, who had 92 tackles last season, and the defensive line, with Ashton Coker and Derek Burns, will need to generate more pressure and stop the run more effectively. The Miners face a softer schedule in the coming weeks, which will give the defense a chance to build confidence, but the unit must show it can hold up against Mountain West competition.

After the Oklahoma loss, UTEP returns home to face Texas Southern, an FCS opponent, in Week 2. This is a winnable game that should allow the Miners to get their first victory and work on offensive rhythm. The schedule includes other manageable matchups before conference play begins, giving the team a chance to develop chemistry and address issues. Head coach Scotty Walden, who has won only five games in two years, needs to see progress in these games to build confidence and establish a foundation for the Mountain West schedule.

UTEP brought in transfer kicker Cade Hechter, who was a second-team FCS All-American at UT Martin after making 15 of 17 field goals, but in the opener he missed two attempts. Those misses were costly, as they kept the Miners off the board and allowed Oklahoma to build momentum. Punter Brady Braun and returner Kam Thomas are also new to the team, and the unit as a whole needs to perform consistently. In close games later in the season, reliable kicking and punting could be the difference between a win and a loss.