The Red River Rivalry is back in the Cotton Bowl for another round of #1 Texas (4-0) versus Oklahoma (2-2)! This season's version showcases the No. 1 team in the country and an extra week of preparation for both teams as they had a bye. The game has the lowest total of the week at 39.5 points, so oddsmakers are expecting the defenses to dictate the day.

Texas snuck out a win at Tennessee (20-17), but also blew it late with a touchdown and onside kick recovery by the Vols to give Tennessee a chance to win. On a positive note, the Longhorns defense had a day. Texas recorded 10 sacks and 12 TFL at Tennessee with a few more taken away because of penalties. It waa a dominant effort as Texas allowed 221 total yards (151 pass, 70 rush) and 4 -of-16 mark on third downs. Arch Manning had a quiet day going 14-of-19 for 201 yards, one interception, and a season-low zero touchdowns.

Oklahoma is in a bad spot entering Week 6, but have a monumental opportunity to get back in the playoff hunt if they upset the No. 1 team in the country. The Sooners offense has failed to score more than 14 points in the last three games and failed to cross 300 total yards in all three games. Against Michigan and New Mexico, Oklahoma's defense kept them in the game with 23 total points allowed. John Mateer has thrown four interceptions in his last three games and has yet to record a rushing touchdown on the season.

Let’s dive into the schools on both sides of the ball, look at a few key players, and see where the numbers take us.

Game Details and How to Watch Texas vs Oklahoma

  • Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
  • Time: 3:30 PM Eastern
  • Site: Cotton Bowl
  • City: Dallas, TX
  • TV/Streaming: ABC

Game Odds for Texas vs Oklahoma

The latest odds as of Tuesday courtesy of DraftKings:

  • Moneyline: Texas Longhorns (-325), Oklahoma Sooners (+260)
  • Spread: Texas -8.5 (-110)
  • Total: 39.5 points

#1 Texas Longhorns

Head Coach: Steve Sarkisian
2026 Record: 4-0 (1-0)
Offensive Points Per Game: 33.2 (T-55th)
Defensive Points Per Game: 13.2 (11th)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 2nd
2026 Remaining Strength of Schedule: 22nd

The Texas Longhorns Offense:

Texas had a season-low 262 yards and 61 rushing yards (1.7 ypc) against Tennessee and went 3-of-12 on third downs. The Longhorns committed 11 penalties for 115 yards in that game, which didn't get any better have 8 for 85 against UTSA. It will be interesting to see what changes are made for the Texas offense off the bye week, but it's obvious the Longhorns are trending in the wrong direction offensively.

Texas Player to Watch on Offense: QB Arch Manning

Arch Manning is coming off his worst statistical performance of the season. He's had some up and down performances despite Texas' success like 195 yards versus Ohio State with a large chunk coming in the fourth. Manning had 200 total yards versus Tennessee and no touchdowns with one interception. Manning has tossed a pick in three out of four games and was sacked a season-high six times against the Vols. Manning went 21-of-27 for 166 yards and one touchdown against Oklahoma last year, plus 34 rushing yards on four carries (one sack).

The Texas Longhorns Defense:

Texas was incredible against Tennessee on defense. The Longhorns grabbed a season-high 10 sacks and 12 TFL, plus held the Vols to 4-of-12 on third downs. It's wild to think Texas has 15 sacks on the season, so it'll be interesting to see if that pressure rolls over following the bye week or if that was a one-off performance and more of a credit to how bad Tennessee's line is. Oklahoma has a team total of 14.5, so Texas is expected to keep the Sooners out of the end zone all but two times. Last year, Texas allowed six points to Oklahoma and earned five sacks, seven TFL, and three interceptions.

Texas Player to Watch on Defense: EDGE Colin Simmons

Last year, Colin Simmons had 2.5 of the five sacks against John Mateer and he's coming in hot. Simmons had a program-record 5.5 sacks versus Tennessee! Simmons has 7.5 sacks on the season and has a three-game sack streak on his hands. The future first round pick will certainly be double-teamed more often than not against Oklahoma this weekend.

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Oklahoma Sooners

Head Coach: Brent Venables
2026 Record: 2-2 (0-1)
Offensive Points Per Game: 22.0 (109th)
Defensive Points Per Game: 16.0 (T-24th)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 3rd
2026 Remaining Strength of Schedule: 13th

The Oklahoma Sooners Offense:

The Oklahoma offense had its roughest test of the year when it was smacked by Georgia (41-13). The Sooners turned the ball over four times, went 2-of-14 on third downs, posted 296 yards, and back-to-back games under 70 rushing yards. On the year, Oklahoma's offense ranks 122nd in success, 120th in rushing success, and 132nd in passing success. The Sooners rank 56th in team passing efficiency, tied-52nd in red zone offense (88.9%), and 109th in third-down offense (34%). Texas will be a tough draw.

Oklahoma Player to Watch on Offense: QB John Mateer

The 2026 season hasn't worked out how John Mateer and Oklahoma thought it would. Matter has tossed four picks in his last three games and has a 8:4 TD to INT ratio entering Week 6. Mateer has yet to record a rushing touchdown this year, which is wild considering he posted 15 in 2024 and 8 in 2025. Mateer was sacked three times against Michigan and Georgia, and will face another front seven with elite pressure rates in Texas. Last year, Mateer threw three interceptions against Texas and was sacked five times.

The Oklahoma Sooners Defense:

The Oklahoma defense will have to have a day to remember if they want to win this game, but it's possible. Oklahoma's defense ranks third in third-down defense (23.1%), fourth in passing yards allowed (122.5), second in red zone defense (60%), and 42nd in rushing yards allowed (115.5). Oklahoma has nine sacks in the last three games and did force Georgia into two turnovers.

Oklahoma Player to Watch on Defense: DB Omarion Robinson

Omarion Robinson grabbed the first interception for the Sooners defense of the season against Georgia. The Sooners had three fumbles recovered on the year, but no picks as Robinson broke that streak. Robinson will age to slow down Cam Coleman and an aggressive receiver room. Robinson has steadily been one of the better run defenders over the past three weeks. His coverage and tackling grades versus Georgia were the highest of the season.

Texas and Oklahoma Stats, Betting Trends

  • Texas is 1-3 ATS and 3-1 to the Under
  • Oklahoma is 1-3 ATS and 3-1 to the Under
  • Texas beat Oklahoma 23-6 last year
  • Oklahoma is 17-10 versus Texas
  • Texas has won three of the last four meetings versus Oklahoma
  • Last season, Texas was 7-6 to the Under and 5-7-1 ATS
  • Last season, Oklahoma was 10-3 to the Under, ranking third-best
  • Last season, Oklahoma was 6-6-1 ATS
  • Oklahoma is 6-5-1 ATS versus ranked opponents since 2024
  • Oklahoma is 8-4 to the Under versus ranked opponents since 2024

Rotoworld Best Bets

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans the first half over 19.5:

"This is an awfully low total that could end up cruising over. Oklahoma's offense looks broken 37 total points over the last three games, but fresh off the bye week could help them shake some things up. The Longhorns have scored 24, 30, and 20 points in the past three games and also had a bye week. These teams are either pitching a 10-7 first half or going Over 19.5 first half points easily. I lean the Over in the first half and full game."

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Source: Yahoo Sports