The Texas vs OU showdown — known nationally as the Red River Rivalry — remains one of the most electric and storied matchups in college football. Each year, the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners meet on neutral ground at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, splitting the stadium in burnt orange and crimson red. In 2025, the rivalry carries even higher stakes, as both programs continue to assert themselves in the SEC, setting up a clash that could shape the college football playoff picture.
The Legacy of the Red River Rivalry
The Texas vs Oklahoma game isn’t just a football contest — it’s an event that defines college sports tradition. Dating back to 1900, the two teams have faced off over 100 times, and the series remains tight. The rivalry’s name comes from the Red River, which serves as the border between Texas and Oklahoma, symbolizing the fierce regional pride that fuels this matchup every October.
This year, the Red River Rivalry 2025 marks a new chapter, as both teams now play under the SEC banner following their departure from the Big 12. The move hasn’t diminished the rivalry — if anything, it’s intensified it. The passion, the pageantry, and the unpredictability remain unmatched.
Texas vs OU Game Time and Broadcast Info
For fans wondering when is the Texas vs OU game, kickoff for the 2025 Red River Rivalry is scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET (11:00 AM CT).
The game will be broadcast nationally on ABC, with pregame coverage starting early on College GameDay, live from the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. The iconic setting — complete with the aroma of fried food, the roar of fans, and the shadow of the Cotton Bowl — makes it one of the most unique scenes in all of college football.
Fans heading to the stadium can also catch the traditional Texas vs OU State Fair Parade and enjoy the festive environment that surrounds the matchup every year.
2025 Red River Rivalry Preview
Texas Longhorns: Reloaded and Ready
The Texas Longhorns enter the Texas vs OU 2025 game with playoff ambitions. After finishing strong in 2024, head coach Steve Sarkisian has built a balanced team featuring explosive offense and a deep defensive front. Sophomore quarterback Arch Manning has lived up to his name, showing precision passing and leadership well beyond his years.
The Longhorns’ offensive line, led by Kelvin Banks Jr., has protected the pocket effectively, while the defense — anchored by linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. — continues to improve at limiting big plays. For Texas, maintaining composure and converting in the red zone will be crucial.
Oklahoma Sooners: The Underdog with Bite
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Sooners arrive hungry to reclaim bragging rights after recent losses. Under head coach Brent Venables, OU has focused on rebuilding its defensive identity. Quarterback Jackson Arnold has developed into a reliable dual-threat option, capable of extending plays and creating opportunities against even the best defenses.
The Sooners’ receiving corps, featuring Nic Anderson and Jalil Farooq, can stretch the field vertically — a factor that could test Texas’s secondary. If Oklahoma’s offensive line holds up against Texas’s aggressive pass rush, this game could turn into a shootout.
Oklahoma vs Texas Predictions
Analysts across major networks — including ESPN, CBS Sports, and Fox — have called this year’s game a “coin toss.”
Most Oklahoma vs Texas predictions lean slightly toward Texas, given their balance and depth, but the rivalry’s history warns against overconfidence. In recent years, the underdog has frequently spoiled the favorite’s playoff hopes.
- Texas Prediction: 34
- Oklahoma Prediction: 27
Expect Texas to pull ahead late thanks to a clutch drive from Arch Manning, but don’t rule out Oklahoma making it a nail-biter until the final whistle.
Why This Year Feels Different
The Red River Rivalry 2025 carries more weight than ever. With both schools now in the SEC, this matchup isn’t just about pride — it’s about postseason positioning and conference supremacy. A victory could propel either program into the playoff conversation, while a loss could derail momentum in one of the most competitive conferences in college football.
Beyond football, this rivalry also reflects cultural pride. From Austin to Norman, and everywhere in between, alumni and fans pour into Dallas to experience one of America’s greatest sports traditions.
Final Thoughts
Few games capture the essence of college football quite like Texas vs OU. From the split-stadium atmosphere to the pageantry of the State Fair, this game represents everything that makes the sport special.
Whether you’re tuning in from across the U.S. or cheering in the Cotton Bowl itself, the Texas-Oklahoma game is about more than rankings — it’s about legacy, loyalty, and moments that last a lifetime.
As kickoff approaches, one thing is certain: when the Longhorns and Sooners take the field, the entire college football world will be watching.
