Texas vs. Oklahoma Preview: What Will Decide the Red River Rivalry Showdown as SEC Era Begins for Longhorns and Sooners
As the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners prepare to square off in their first Red River Rivalry as members of the SEC, the stakes are higher than ever before. With both programs transitioning from Big 12 powerhouses to Southeastern Conference challengers, the 2025 edition of this iconic showdown carries more weight than just bragging rights. It’s a tone-setting battle for two proud programs attempting to reassert national relevance in the sport’s most competitive conference. From quarterback battles to defensive matchups and coaching strategy, every aspect of this year’s game promises to be magnified—and the winner could find themselves in prime position for an SEC Championship run.
This rivalry has always been defined by emotion, momentum swings, and legendary performances, but this year, there’s an added dimension of pressure. Texas comes in with a retooled roster led by Arch Manning, who is expected to take the reins of the offense after a redshirt year. Manning’s calm demeanor, pedigree, and rapid development in the offseason have Texas fans buzzing. On the other side, Oklahoma brings back Jackson Arnold, the former five-star quarterback who took meaningful snaps last season and now looks to solidify his position as the undisputed leader of the Sooner offense.
At the core of Texas’ approach will be their offensive line, anchored by Kelvin Banks Jr., one of the best tackles in college football. Protecting Arch Manning will be key to unlocking the vertical passing game and establishing rhythm early. With weapons like Johntay Cook, Isaiah Bond, and freshman phenom Ryan Wingo, Texas has the ability to stretch the field, forcing Oklahoma’s secondary into uncomfortable positions. The Sooners’ defense, which struggled against big plays last season, will need to show massive improvement in communication and coverage, particularly in nickel and dime packages.
One key to the game for Texas will be establishing the run to set up play-action. CJ Baxter Jr. and Jaydon Blue give the Longhorns a versatile backfield capable of pounding the rock or taking screens for big gains. If Texas can get five or six yards on early downs, it will open up their full playbook, allowing Sarkisian to mix in tempo, misdirection, and RPO concepts. The Texas offense is at its most dangerous when it’s balanced and unpredictable—something Sark has preached since his days at Alabama.
Oklahoma’s best counter will be their front seven, led by Danny Stutsman, who has grown into a veteran presence with NFL-level instincts. His ability to diagnose plays and cover sideline-to-sideline will be crucial. Defensive coordinator Ted Roof will likely dial up exotic blitzes in an attempt to rattle Manning and test his poise under pressure. Expect Oklahoma to disguise coverages pre-snap, using zone drops and delayed rushes to confuse a young quarterback still adjusting to SEC speed.
Another major key for Texas will be third-down efficiency. Last year, they struggled at times to extend drives, particularly in hostile environments. If Manning can convert in high-pressure moments, especially on third-and-medium or third-and-long, it could tilt the momentum heavily in Texas’ favor. On the flip side, Oklahoma’s defense has made third-down stops a priority in camp, emphasizing situational discipline and finishing plays. If the Sooners can force Texas into third-and-long scenarios repeatedly, they’ll be able to bring creative pressure packages to keep the Longhorns on their heels.
On offense, Oklahoma will lean heavily on Jackson Arnold’s dual-threat ability. Unlike the traditional pocket passer, Arnold is dangerous when the play breaks down. His scrambling capability forces linebackers and safeties to make split-second decisions, often leading to broken coverages and big gains. The Longhorns will have to stay disciplined in their rush lanes, with Anthony Hill and David Gbenda likely spying Arnold on key downs.
The Sooners also boast an explosive group of skill players, led by wide receivers Nic Anderson and Deion Burks. Anderson, a deep threat with elite speed, will test Texas’ cornerbacks early and often. Malik Muhammad and Terrance Brooks will need to play physical at the line of scrimmage and avoid getting beat over the top. Expect Oklahoma to scheme ways to isolate Anderson one-on-one, particularly using bunch formations and motion to create confusion.
In the trenches, Oklahoma’s offensive line has been solid but not spectacular. They’ll need to hold up against a Texas defensive front that has steadily improved, featuring emerging pass rushers like Ethan Burke and five-star freshman Colin Simmons. If Texas can generate pressure without blitzing, it could be a long afternoon for Arnold. But if the Sooners’ O-line can give Arnold time, his mobility and arm talent could turn this game into a shootout.
Turnovers will, as always, be a critical component. In recent Red River matchups, the team that wins the turnover battle has typically walked away with the win. Texas will look to force fumbles with aggressive tackling and try to bait Arnold into throwing across his body or into tight coverage. Oklahoma, on the other hand, will need to capitalize on any risky throws from Manning, who despite his talent, remains relatively untested in big-game environments.
Coaching adjustments during the game could ultimately decide who emerges victorious. Steve Sarkisian has proven to be a strong play-caller, especially when operating with a lead. However, he has sometimes been criticized for conservative decisions in the red zone. If Texas stalls on drives and settles for field goals, it may open the door for Oklahoma to steal the game late. Brent Venables, meanwhile, is known for his defensive acumen, but his game management has come under fire. Clock management, challenge decisions, and fourth-down aggression could all come into play in what is expected to be a tight contest.
Special teams will also factor heavily into the outcome. Texas kicker Bert Auburn has been reliable, but his range has limits. Oklahoma’s field goal unit, led by Zach Schmit, is more proven in pressure situations. Hidden yardage in the return game, field position battles, and even blocked kicks could shift momentum at critical junctures.
Psychologically, Texas will come into this game with confidence, having thoroughly dismantled Oklahoma in the 2023 edition of the rivalry. That 49-0 blowout still lingers in the minds of Sooner fans and players alike. While Texas may view that win as a turning point, Oklahoma will undoubtedly use it as motivation. Revenge narratives can be powerful, especially when the talent gap is closer than it appears on paper.
Emotionally, the Red River Rivalry is unlike any other. Played at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas with a 50/50 crowd split, the neutral-site atmosphere creates a playoff-like intensity. Young players often struggle with nerves in the opening quarter, leading to early miscues or overreactions. The team that settles in first and avoids unforced errors—false starts, delay of game, blown coverages—will have a major edge.
Both programs are also dealing with the external pressures of entering the SEC and proving they belong. Texas and Oklahoma have been pegged as future powers in the conference, but neither has taken an SEC snap in a regular season game. This clash will serve as a litmus test. If Texas dominates in the trenches and manages the clock, they’ll validate their preseason top-five ranking. If Oklahoma pulls off the upset, it will signal that the Sooners are ready to contend, not just compete, in their new conference home.
From a recruiting standpoint, this game matters more than ever. Dozens of elite high school players will be in attendance, and the outcome—along with the energy and execution on the field—could sway decisions for years to come. The Red River Rivalry has always been a showcase, but now it’s a proving ground.
In the end, the 2025 Red River Rivalry won’t just be another chapter in a storied tradition. It’s a barometer for two programs standing at the edge of a new era. With playoff implications, SEC pride, and recruiting momentum on the line, the smallest details will make the biggest difference. Whether it’s a third-down stop, a deep touchdown pass, or a sideline adjustment that swings momentum, expect every moment to count—and expect this to be one of the most consequential Texas-Oklahoma games in decades.
