Oklahoma’s 2025 Red River Rematch: Early Scouting Report Reveals How Sooners Could Flip the Script on Texas Showdown
The Red River Rivalry is a college football fixture, a game that never lacks passion, physicality, or implications for both teams’ seasons. As Oklahoma and Texas prepare for their 2025 matchup, now as SEC foes, the stakes are even higher. What was once a Big 12 rivalry now has national playoff implications almost every year. With both teams retooling yet returning high-end talent, the 2025 edition promises to be just as dramatic as ever. For Oklahoma, the goal is simple: avenge recent heartbreak and reassert itself as the dominant force in one of college football’s most iconic rivalries.
Steve Sarkisian’s Texas Longhorns have been building toward this moment since his arrival, and the talent pool has only deepened with each recruiting cycle. Texas is expected to once again be a national title contender in 2025, powered by high-end offensive pieces and a defense that has matured under Pete Kwiatkowski. Quarterback Arch Manning will be at the center of attention, not just because of his famous last name but due to his undeniable growth and polish. After being carefully groomed, 2025 will be his year to lead this offense, and by the time they meet Oklahoma in October, he could already be a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy.
For Oklahoma, this game represents more than just pride. Brent Venables’ squad has been building defensively, and this may be the most physical Oklahoma team in recent memory. Venables, a defensive mastermind, will need to draw up a complex and disruptive scheme to slow down Manning and his wide arsenal of weapons. The Sooners’ defense will have to be elite in all phases—up front, in the secondary, and especially at linebacker—to stymie Texas’ balanced attack.
On the offensive side, the Sooners will likely be leaning on a new quarterback as they transition from the Dillon Gabriel era into a future that could be led by Jackson Arnold or another young talent. Regardless of who starts under center, Oklahoma must be able to match Texas score for score. The 2024 recruiting class has added serious juice to the offensive line, and this game will test their mettle early in their development. Wide receivers like Nic Anderson and Jaquaize Pettaway are expected to emerge as difference-makers, and their ability to beat Texas’ experienced secondary could tilt the field.
Running the ball against Texas will be no easy feat. The Longhorns’ defensive line remains one of the most powerful in the country, led by interior linemen who are expected to be high-round NFL Draft picks. Oklahoma’s run game, bolstered by the returning production of Gavin Sawchuk and Kalib Hicks, must find a way to generate consistent yards, setting up manageable third-down situations and giving their offense a chance to stay balanced.
Special teams could also prove crucial in a tightly contested game. Both schools have elite kickers and returners, but Oklahoma’s coverage units must be airtight. A single mistake on a punt or kickoff return could swing momentum in a rivalry known for sudden shifts and emotional highs and lows. The Sooners have traditionally been strong in this department, and they’ll need to be again to prevent Texas from gaining hidden yardage.
Discipline and mental toughness will define who wins. This rivalry has seen more flags and emotional outbursts than most games on the calendar, and Oklahoma has struggled at times to maintain composure. Penalties, particularly pre-snap mistakes and personal fouls, could be game-changers. Venables has worked tirelessly to instill accountability and resilience, and this year’s squad may be better prepared to handle the pressure cooker atmosphere inside the Cotton Bowl.
Schematically, Venables and his defensive staff must be aggressive without becoming reckless. Texas will deploy play-action and motion-heavy sets designed to confuse and exploit overpursuing defenders. If the Sooners’ linebackers can stay disciplined in coverage and limit yards after catch from players like Johntay Cook II or Ryan Wingo, they can force Texas into uncomfortable third-and-long situations. Those downs will be where Venables dials up pressure, and players like edge rusher Adepoju Adebawore will need to capitalize.
Conversely, Oklahoma’s offensive staff will need to be just as creative. Mismatches must be created against Texas linebackers, and screen passes, jet sweeps, and quick-hitting plays can take the edge off the Longhorns’ pass rush. With a young quarterback likely under center, simplifying reads and getting the ball out quickly will be vital. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Oklahoma lean heavily on their tight ends and running backs in the passing game to keep Texas’ defense honest.
Turnovers will decide this game. In a rivalry filled with big hits and emotional swings, protecting the football is paramount. Last season, Oklahoma’s loss came largely due to turnovers that flipped the field and allowed Texas to seize momentum. If the Sooners can win the turnover battle or at least break even, they’ll significantly increase their chances of pulling off the upset. Ball security, especially from the quarterback and skill positions, must be emphasized throughout the week of preparation.
Intangibles, of course, loom large. Red River Showdown games rarely go according to script. Records don’t matter, rankings are often irrelevant, and momentum can shift in seconds. What matters is execution, poise, and the ability to seize big moments. Oklahoma must embrace the chaos, lean into the energy of the crowd, and make every possession count. The first quarter will be critical; if the Sooners can withstand Texas’ early surge and avoid falling into a deep hole, they’ll have a chance to control the tempo and dictate the pace.
From a roster-building standpoint, Oklahoma is in a promising spot. The influx of SEC-level talent is beginning to bear fruit, and depth across the board has improved. While they may still be a step behind Texas in terms of overall blue-chip ratio, the margin is closing fast. If the Sooners can stay healthy and build early-season confidence, they could be one of the most dangerous teams in the SEC by mid-October.
Recruiting and development will show up in this game more than ever. Sarkisian’s program is thriving because they’ve been able to develop talent at key positions—particularly on the offensive line, at receiver, and in the secondary. Venables is working to match that with defensive stars and a more rugged style of football. The 2025 Red River Rivalry may serve as a referendum on whose vision is progressing faster. It’s not just a rivalry—it’s a measuring stick.
Coaching adjustments will also loom large. The in-game chess match between offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski could be a deciding factor, assuming the former remains with the program. Likewise, Venables’ defensive schemes against Sarkisian’s playcalling mastery will be appointment viewing for anyone who loves X’s and O’s. One well-timed blitz or one busted coverage could be the difference.
The environment itself adds pressure. The Cotton Bowl, split in half, is uniquely chaotic. Players say it feels like a home and away game in one, with one half of the stadium roaring on every big play and the other going dead silent. How each team responds emotionally could determine how the game unfolds. Quarterbacks, in particular, must be ice-cold in their decision-making. A poor throw into double coverage or a rushed read can swing the game in the blink of an eye.
While the early outlook suggests Texas may enter as the favorite, the gap is not insurmountable. Oklahoma has improved dramatically on defense, and their offensive ceiling depends largely on quarterback development and how quickly the young weapons mature. If they can keep it close into the fourth quarter, the Sooners will have every opportunity to turn the rivalry tide back in their favor.
In sum, the 2025 edition of this fabled game will once again be a clash of titans. Texas may have the edge in experience and returning stars, but Oklahoma is not far behind. With a coaching staff laser-focused on physicality, discipline, and execution, the Sooners have every reason to believe they can walk into the Cotton Bowl and walk out victorious. It’s not just about beating Texas—it’s about signaling to the entire SEC that Oklahoma is no longer adjusting to the conference, but ready to dominate it.
