Red River Rivalry GAME DAY: Texas versus No. 6 Oklahoma

The Cotton Bowl will once again be the stage for college football’s most storied grudge match as the Texas Longhorns face the No. 6 Oklahoma Sooners in the 2026 edition of the Red River Rivalry. Steeped in over a century of tradition, this clash has seen Texas maintain a slim edge in the all-time series (64-61-5), though Oklahoma has dominated recent decades with a 17-9 record in the 21st century. Every October, these teams fight for the Golden Hat trophy and SEC positioning under the bright lights of the State Fair, and the upcoming contest is set to add another memorable chapter to this fierce border battle.

Key matchups will define Saturday’s showdown: Oklahoma boasts the nation’s stingiest defense, ranking first in both dropback and rushing defensive success rates, and is led by a deep front anchored by 14 different players recording multiple tackles for loss. The Sooners’ question mark lies at quarterback, as John Mateer’s status is uncertain following hand surgery; if he can’t go, sophomore Michael Hawkins Jr. will get the nod. Texas, led by the highly-touted but inconsistent Arch Manning, has struggled against Power Four foes, especially in the run game, and will need sharper execution to generate points against this aggressive Sooner defense. Expect a defensive slugfest with both teams searching for an explosive play or two to shift momentum.

The stakes, as always, are monumental. Oklahoma (5-0) aims to preserve its perfect record and cement its SEC and playoff aspirations, while Texas (3-2) must bounce back from a tough loss to Florida and prove it still belongs in the conference title conversation. For Texas, a win resurrects hopes of an SEC run and staves off a season-dampening losing streak; for Oklahoma, another victory over its archrival strengthens national credibility and could catapult the program toward a playoff berth. In short, the outcome in Dallas will shape the narrative and trajectory for both programs this season, ensuring every snap carries the weight of college football history.

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