Analysis

Texas Dominates Oklahoma 23-6: Complete 2025 Red River Rivalry Recap

Red River Rivalry Staff
#2025 Season #Game Recap #Texas #Oklahoma #Arch Manning

Texas Longhorns celebrating victory at Cotton Bowl with Golden Hat trophy, scoreboard showing Texas 23 Oklahoma 6, confetti falling

The Texas Longhorns delivered a statement performance on October 11, 2025, dominating the #6 ranked Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 in front of 92,100 fans at the Cotton Bowl Stadium. In a game that showcased elite defensive play and efficient offense, Texas retained the Golden Hat Trophy and improved to 64-51-5 in the all-time series.

First Quarter: Defensive Battle

The game began as a classic Red River defensive slugfest. Both teams traded punts early, with neither offense finding rhythm in the hostile 50-50 split stadium atmosphere.

Key Moments:

  • Texas forced Oklahoma into a three-and-out on the opening drive
  • Arch Manning completed 4 of 5 passes for 38 yards on Texas’s first possession
  • Oklahoma’s defense held firm near the red zone

The quarter ended scoreless, setting the stage for a defensive struggle reminiscent of classic Red River Rivalry games from decades past.

Second Quarter: Field Goals and Momentum Shifts

Oklahoma struck first when kicker Tate Sandell connected on a 42-yard field goal at the 11:24 mark, giving the Sooners a 3-0 lead.

Texas Response: Texas answered with a methodical 12-play, 68-yard drive. Manning showed patience and precision, converting key third downs. The drive stalled at the Oklahoma 15, and Bert Auburn kicked a 33-yard field goal to tie the game 3-3.

Late Second Quarter Drama: With 2:47 remaining in the half, Oklahoma drove into Texas territory. However, the Longhorns’ defense stiffened, forcing another Sandell field goal attempt. The 41-yarder was good, giving Oklahoma a 6-3 halftime lead.

Halftime Stats:

  • Total Yards: Oklahoma 156, Texas 142
  • Turnovers: None
  • Manning: 11/15, 89 yards
  • Time of Possession: Oklahoma 16:45, Texas 13:15

Third Quarter: Texas Takes Control

The second half belonged to Texas. Head coach Steve Sarkisian’s halftime adjustments proved decisive.

Opening Drive Touchdown: Texas received the second-half kickoff and marched 75 yards in 8 plays. Manning found DeAndre Moore Jr. for a 12-yard touchdown pass on a perfectly executed play-action pass. Texas led 10-6 with 11:23 remaining in the third quarter.

Defensive Dominance Begins: The Texas defense, which had been solid in the first half, became suffocating in the third quarter:

  • Forced consecutive three-and-outs
  • Jahdae Barron intercepted John Mateer at the Oklahoma 48-yard line
  • The Sooners managed just 23 yards of offense in the quarter

Auburn Field Goal: Following Barron’s interception, Texas drove to the Oklahoma 22 before settling for another Auburn field goal. Texas led 13-6 heading into the fourth quarter.

Fourth Quarter: Sealing the Victory

The fourth quarter saw Texas put the game away with dominant play on both sides of the ball.

7:42 Remaining - The Dagger: Ryan Niblett provided the play of the game, returning an Oklahoma punt 75 yards for a touchdown. The electric return sent the Texas side of the Cotton Bowl into delirium and gave the Longhorns a 20-6 lead.

Defensive Closers: With Oklahoma desperately trying to rally:

  • 6:15 - Andrew Mukuba intercepted Mateer at the Oklahoma 43
  • 2:48 - Anthony Hill Jr. sacked Mateer for a 9-yard loss on third down
  • 1:33 - Jahdae Barron intercepted Mateer for his second pick of the game

Final Field Goal: Auburn added a 28-yard field goal with 0:47 remaining to push the lead to 23-6.

Final Play: Texas’s defense forced one final incompletion as time expired, securing the victory.


Final Statistics

Team Stats

CategoryTexasOklahoma
Total Yards342247
First Downs1813
Rushing Yards17689
Passing Yards166158
Turnovers03
Time of Possession32:1427:46
Third Down Conv.6/133/12
Sacks41

Individual Leaders

Texas:

  • Arch Manning: 21/27, 166 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 138.4 rating
  • Quintrevion Wisner: 18 carries, 94 yards
  • DeAndre Moore Jr: 6 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD
  • Ryan Niblett: 75-yard punt return TD
  • Jahdae Barron: 2 interceptions, 6 tackles

Oklahoma:

  • John Mateer: 18/31, 158 yards, 0 TD, 3 INT
  • Leading Rusher: 12 carries, 48 yards
  • Tate Sandell: 2/2 FG (42, 41 yards)

Game Analysis

What Went Right for Texas

1. Second-Half Defensive Adjustments Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski’s halftime adjustments completely neutralized Oklahoma’s offense. The Sooners managed just 91 yards and zero points in the second half.

Key Adjustment: Texas began bringing extra pressure on obvious passing downs while disguising their coverages. This led to rushed decisions by Mateer and ultimately three interceptions.

2. Arch Manning’s Efficiency While Manning didn’t put up gaudy numbers, his efficiency was remarkable:

  • 77.8% completion percentage
  • Zero turnovers
  • Perfect on third down (4/4)
  • Made every throw when it mattered

Manning showed poise beyond his years, managing the game expertly and avoiding the mistakes that plagued Oklahoma’s quarterback.

3. Special Teams Excellence Ryan Niblett’s 75-yard punt return touchdown was the defining play of the game. The Texas special teams unit blocked well and Niblett showed elite speed and vision.

4. Defensive Takeaways Three interceptions completely changed the game’s complexion. Texas’s secondary played tight coverage and capitalized on Mateer’s mistakes under pressure.

What Went Wrong for Oklahoma

1. Offensive Line Struggles Oklahoma’s offensive line couldn’t protect Mateer consistently. Texas recorded 4 sacks and hurried Mateer on numerous other occasions.

2. John Mateer’s Decision-Making Mateer, who had been excellent all season, struggled with decision-making under pressure:

  • Forced throws into tight coverage
  • Failed to recognize disguised coverages
  • Held the ball too long on several sacks

3. Second-Half Offensive Collapse 91 total yards and zero points in the second half against a rival is unacceptable. Oklahoma’s play-calling became predictable, and Texas’s defense took advantage.

4. Missed Opportunities

  • Failed to capitalize on first-half field position advantages
  • Couldn’t convert in the red zone (1/2)
  • Special teams breakdown on the punt return touchdown

Turning Points

1. DeAndre Moore Jr. Touchdown (3rd Quarter, 11:23)

This was the first touchdown of the game and gave Texas its first lead. The momentum shift was palpable.

2. Jahdae Barron’s First Interception (3rd Quarter, 6:42)

This turnover prevented Oklahoma from answering Texas’s touchdown and set up another Texas field goal.

3. Ryan Niblett’s Punt Return TD (4th Quarter, 7:42)

The dagger. This play turned a one-score game into a comfortable two-score lead and deflated Oklahoma’s comeback hopes.


Quotes

Steve Sarkisian (Texas Head Coach): “I’m really proud of how our defense adjusted in the second half. They completely took over the game. And Arch… that’s what we’ve been seeing all year. He’s calm, he’s efficient, and he makes the right decisions.”

Arch Manning: “The offensive line gave me great protection, and our receivers made plays. But this game was won by our defense. Three picks? That’s championship-level football.”

Brent Venables (Oklahoma Head Coach): “We didn’t execute in the second half. Too many mistakes, too many turnovers. Credit to Texas—they made the plays when it mattered. We have to learn from this and get better.”

John Mateer: “I have to be better. I forced some throws I shouldn’t have. That’s on me. We’ll bounce back.”


Looking Ahead

For Texas (4-2)

This victory keeps Texas firmly in the SEC championship race. The defense showed it can dominate elite competition, and Manning continues to develop.

Remaining Key Games:

  • Georgia (Nov 2)
  • Texas A&M (Nov 30)

Strengths to Build On:

  • Defensive secondary
  • Manning’s decision-making
  • Run game consistency

Areas to Improve:

  • Red zone touchdown efficiency
  • Third-down defense

For Oklahoma (5-1)

Despite the loss, Oklahoma remains a playoff contender. This was their first true test, and they learned valuable lessons.

Bounce-Back Opportunities: The Sooners have winnable games ahead before facing tough competition in November.

What Needs to Improve:

  • Offensive line protection
  • Quarterback decision-making under pressure
  • Second-half adjustments

Historical Context

This victory gives Texas a 64-51-5 all-time edge in the series. More importantly, it shows that Texas is back among college football’s elite programs.

Recent Series History:

  • 2025: Texas 23, Oklahoma 6
  • 2024: Texas 34, Oklahoma 3
  • 2023: Texas 34, Oklahoma 30
  • 2022: Oklahoma 49, Texas 0
  • 2021: Oklahoma 55, Texas 48

Texas has now won three consecutive Red River Rivalry games for the first time since 2006-2008.


The Bottom Line

Texas’s 23-6 victory was a complete team effort that showcased the Longhorns’ championship potential. The defense was dominant, Arch Manning was efficient, and special teams provided the spark.

For Oklahoma, this is a learning experience. The Sooners are still an excellent team, but they were outplayed in the second half by a Texas squad that made critical adjustments.

The 2025 Red River Rivalry will be remembered as the game Texas announced its return to SEC prominence.

Final Score: Texas 23, Oklahoma 6

Game MVP: Jahdae Barron (2 INT, 6 tackles)


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Hook ‘em Horns! 🤘 Texas retains the Golden Hat!