Oct 9, 2025 - Sports

Why Texas and Oklahoma must win the Red River Rivalry

Bob Gee

Texas quarterback Arch Manning getting sacked by a Florida player. — Arch Manning of the Texas Longhorns is sacked by Tyreak Sapp of the Florida Gators last weekend. Photo: James Gilbert/Getty Images

This year's Red River Showdown will look much different from what fans might have expected when they circled this game on their calendars at the start of the season.

Why it matters: Oklahoma enters Saturday's rivalry game in Dallas on a roll, undefeated and ranked sixth in the nation.

Texas, the preseason No. 1 team, has lost twice and is now unranked after falling to Florida last weekend.

Yes, but: The Longhorns are a 1.5-point favorite.

The big picture: UT likely must win the remainder of its regular-season games to compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

The Sooners' schedule gets much tougher after Saturday, with five ranked opponents in its final six games.

Zoom in: Preseason Heisman favorite Arch Manning — nephew to Eli and Peyton — has struggled through five games. He threw two interceptions against Florida. Last month, hometown fans booed after he tossed 10 straight incompletions.

Oklahoma starting quarterback John Mateer, who is recovering from thumb surgery, might not play.

What we're watching: Whether the Texas offensive line will give Manning enough time to find open receivers.

Oklahoma's defense is tied for second-most sacks in the country this season.
The Longhorns' offensive line was embarrassed against Florida, allowing six sacks.

How to watch: Kickoff is at 2:30pm at the Cotton Bowl. Tickets start at more than $200.

ABC will broadcast the game.

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Why Texas and Oklahoma must win the Red River Rivalry

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