Red River Rivalry delivers a pivotal Texas win
The annual Red River Rivalry produced a crucial victory for Texas as they downed sixth-ranked Oklahoma 23-6 on a sunny Saturday at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. The Longhorns, coming off a setback at Florida that knocked them from the AP Top 25, showed resilience and precise execution to claim a win that could reshape the early-season landscape as conference play progresses.
Arch Manning anchored Texas with a confident performance, completing 21 of 27 passes for 166 yards. He engineered the pivotal drive of the night on the opening series of the second half, connecting for a 12-yard touchdown to DeAndre Moore Jr. This score gave the Longhorns a lead they would not relinquish and underscored Manning’s growing poise in the offense as Texas sought to reestablish its rhythm in SEC play.
Defensive fights and timely special teams
Texas’ defense kept Oklahoma in check throughout the afternoon, allowing only 258 total yards and repeatedly stifling the Sooners’ attempts to sustain drives. Oklahoma’s quarterback John Mateer, back after surgery on his throwing hand, faced pressure and a stifling Texas pass rush that helped frustrate the Sooners’ typical rhythm. Mateer completed 20 of 38 passes but had three interceptions, a decisive turn of events that limited Oklahoma’s comeback potential.
The battle in the kicking game was also decisive. Texas kicker Mason Shipley connected on three field goals (22, 48, and 39 yards), helping the Longhorns extend possessions and add points as the game progressed. He also endured a couple of near-misses: a 55-yarder that hit the upright and a 56-yarder that fell short, reminding fans that every point was precious in a tightly contested rivalry.
Niblett’s electric punt return seals the deal
The moment that defined the game came late in the fourth quarter when Texas returner Ryan Niblett broke through the Sooners’ coverage on a punt. He sprinted up the sideline, made a decisive cut near midfield, and, after exchanging a push with a teammate, sped into the end zone for a 75-yard punt return touchdown. The score extended Texas’ lead to 23-6 with 9:59 left and maintained the Longhorns’ momentum as Oklahoma’s bid for a comeback faded.
Texas had already built a lead with a methodical second half—opening drives of 75 and 65 yards—and showed resilience against turnovers and penalties that could derail a team in a high-stakes rivalry. Quintrevion Wisner contributed in multiple facets, carrying 22 times for 94 yards and catching five passes for 34 yards, illustrating Texas’ balanced attack on offense.
Key moments and player impact
Oklahoma had a promising start with Tate Sandell kicking a 42-yard field goal on the opening drive and adding a 41-yarder in the second quarter to reach 6-0. Yet the Sooners could not sustain momentum after the early field goals, and Texas’ defense tightened as the game wore on. For Oklahoma, the return to the lineup for Mateer was a notable moment, but the quarterback turnover and the pressure from Texas’ defense limited big plays and locked in a difficult path to victory.
Takeaway for the season
Oklahoma now looks to rebound quickly after consecutive losses to their archrival—a rarity in recent years. The Sooners will need to address their passing efficiency and protection if they want to compete in the SEC on a week-to-week basis. Texas, meanwhile, gains a much-needed win that could refresh their CFP odds and restore confidence. The Golden Hat remains in Texas’ possession, a symbolic reminder of the rivalry’s enduring intensity and the potential that lies ahead in the season.
What’s next
Oklahoma travels to South Carolina next Saturday, hoping for a bounce-back performance. Texas heads to Kentucky for the first time, with the Longhorns seeking another road win as they push toward a healthier 2025 campaign.
