Oklahoma, SMU, and Utah State University announced Wednesday new dates for a total of three football games in 2027.
Originally slated for Week 1 on Saturday, September 4, Oklahoma will now host Utah State at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman on Saturday, August 28, 2027, which is Week Zero that season.
The shift follows the NCAA’s June decision to adopt a standardized 14‑week regular‑season format beginning in fall 2027. Under the new structure, FBS teams can open most seasons in Week Zero—the weekend prior to Labor Day—and conclude play the week after Thanksgiving.
Previously, only Hawaii, teams traveling to Hawaii, and their opponents were permitted to schedule Week Zero games. FCS programs could also participate if the matchup was nationally televised, though that exception has been removed beginning this fall.
FBSchedules.com first reported the Oklahoma-Utah State non-conference matchup in July 2024. The Sooners will pay the Aggies a $1.5 million guarantee for the game, according to the copy of the contract.
In addition to moving up the date of the Utah State game, Oklahoma and SMU have moved up their game in 2027 by one week from Sept. 11 to Sept. 4. SMU will host Oklahoma at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Utah State also announced another date change for its 2027 slate, with its home game against Mercyhurst moving from Sept. 25 to Sept. 4. The Aggies are also slated to host Nevada on Sept. 11 and Toledo on Sept. 18.
FOOTBALL SCHEDULES
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With the major conferences now at 9 conference games, opening up Week Zero can make scheduling P4 OOC's easier for everyone.
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Well, except Indiana. At this rate, they'll be playing Pittsburg State, Ball State,and Sac State, and call it good. (A real gorilla's ballsack of a schedule!)