2025 Red River Rivalry: Texas Beats Oklahoma 23-6

Texas Longhorns defeated the No. 6 Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 in the annual Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, attended by 92,100 fans during the State Fair of Texas. Texas retained the Golden Hat trophy and improved to 4-2 overall (1-1 SEC), while Oklahoma fell to 5-1 (1-1 SEC), marking their first loss of the season and back-to-back defeats to Texas for the first time since 2008-2009.

Game Flow and Key Plays

Oklahoma struck first with a 42-yard field goal by Tate Sandell on their opening drive, leading 3-0. They extended it to 6-0 with another 41-yard field goal from Sandell in the second quarter. Texas responded late in the half with a 22-yard field goal from Mason Shipley, narrowing it to 6-3. A pivotal moment came when Texas DB Malik Muhammad intercepted QB John Mateer’s pass in the end zone at halftime, setting up the Longhorns with great field position to start the second half.

Texas flipped the script after intermission, scoring 23 unanswered points. Arch Manning threw a 12-yard TD pass to DeAndre Moore Jr. on their opening drive, taking a 10-6 lead. Shipley added a 48-yard field goal in the third quarter (13-6). The game-sealer came in the fourth when Ryan Niblett returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown (20-6), weaving through defenders and bouncing off teammate Marshall Landwehr to reach the end zone. Shipley capped it with a 39-yard field goal. Oklahoma’s final drive stalled on fourth-and-22 from the Texas 27, plagued by two sacks on Mateer and an incompletion.

Texas dominated the second half with efficient drives (75 and 65 yards), converting seven straight third downs, including a scrambling 21-yard Manning pass to Parker Livingstone from their own 8-yard line.

Key Player Performances

• Arch Manning (Texas QB): 21/27 for 166 yards, 1 TD; led the comeback with poise after Texas’ early struggles.
• Ryan Niblett (Texas PR): 75-yard punt return TD, the game’s momentum-shifter.
• Quintrevion Wisner (Texas RB): 22 carries for 94 yards; 5 receptions for 34 yards.
• Malik Muhammad (Texas DB): 2 INTs, including the halftime game-changer; forced 3 total turnovers. (SEC Defensive Player of the Week)
• Mason Shipley (Texas K): 3/5 FGs (22, 48, 39 yards); missed long attempts from 55 and 56 yards.

Texas’ defense and special teams were standout, holding Oklahoma scoreless after the second quarter, while the Longhorns’ early offense sputtered (just 20 yards on first three drives) before erupting.

Analysis and Implications

This gritty win salvaged Texas’ season after a prior loss to Florida dropped them from the AP Top 25, showcasing resilience under coach Steve Sarkisian and boosting playoff hopes. Oklahoma, despite early rhythm, lacked second-half execution, as noted by coach Brent Venables, but remains a contender. Texas reassert dominance with physicality and timely plays.