'No freakin' way': Why Red River Rivalry should never leave Dallas, other top questions

The Red River Rivalry between Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday, October 11, 2025, in Dallas, Texas is set to be a highly anticipated matchup. Texas is currently ranked No. 1 and has won four consecutive games, including victories over ranked Ohio State and Tennessee. Oklahoma, while not currently ranked, is 2-2 after losing to Michigan and Georgia.

Columnists from three major Texas outlets, Cedric Golden of the Austin American-Statesman, Kirk Bohls of the Houston Chronicle, and Kevin Sherrington of the Dallas Morning News, have offered their insights on five crucial questions about the 2026 matchup. Golden foresees a closer game due to the strong defenses of both teams, while Bohls predicts Texas will prevail with a score of 20-6. Sherrington suggests a double-digit Texas victory, assuming the offense does not suddenly develop a running game.

Oklahoma's quarterback, John Mateer, may face benching if the team struggles, but no one else can replace his significant role. Both Texas center Connor Robertson and guards Dylan Sikorski and Brandon Baker must improve their performance to alleviate the struggling run game. Texas' receivers must focus on double coverage against Oklahoma's top receiver, Isaiah Sategna III, who leads all Sooner targets with 20 catches this season.

Ultimately, the battle in the trenches and the offensive line's ability to protect Texas' quarterback, Arch Manning, will be key factors in determining the outcome of the Red River Rivalry. The game will be held at the iconic Cotton Bowl, which has been the perfect backdrop for this annual sporting event, with its unique atmosphere and passionate fan base.