Red River Rivalry 2026 Date, Time, TV & Game Guide
Texas vs Oklahoma is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. CT in the Cotton Bowl. The game is also commonly called the Red River Showdown.
Game Information
Texas will be the away team in 2026 • Part of SEC Conference Schedule
Experience the Renovated Cotton Bowl
The Cotton Bowl's $140 million west-side renovation debuted for the 2025 State Fair and Red River Rivalry. Fans in 2026 should continue to see those upgrades, while future east-side work remains a separate long-term phase.
New Amenities Include:
- ✓ 14 new escalators on west side
- ✓ Premium club seating areas
- ✓ Outdoor terraces with views
- ✓ Enhanced concessions
- ✓ Improved restroom facilities
- ✓ Modern WiFi infrastructure
What This Means for Fans:
- ✓ Faster entry and exit
- ✓ Better sightlines
- ✓ Luxury seating options
- ✓ Enhanced game day experience
- ✓ Modern stadium technology
How to Watch
📺 TV
Network: ABC or ESPN
The 2026 Red River Rivalry is scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. CT kickoff. The TV assignment has been narrowed to ABC or ESPN, with the final network designation still to be announced.
💻 Streaming
- • ESPN app if assigned to ABC/ESPN
- • YouTube TV
- • Hulu + Live TV
- • FuboTV
- • Provider availability depends on final TV assignment
📻 Radio
Texas: Longhorn Radio Network
Oklahoma: Sooner Radio Network
2026 Team Previews
Texas Longhorns
2025 Record: 10-3, Final AP No. 12
2026 preseason AP No. 5 • Away Team in Dallas
Looking Ahead to 2026
Texas enters year three of the SEC era after a 10-win 2025 season capped by a Citrus Bowl win. Arch Manning's return keeps the Longhorns near the center of the national conversation.
Key Questions
- • How much cleaner can Arch Manning be in year two as QB1?
- • Can Texas build on recent success vs Oklahoma?
- • How will recruiting impact the roster?
Detailed Preview
Texas opens against Texas State on Sept. 5 at 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN. This guide will track results, rankings, and verified availability news as the Oct. 10 matchup approaches.
Oklahoma Sooners
2025 Record: 10-3, Final AP No. 13
2026 preseason AP No. 10 • Home Team in Dallas
Looking Ahead to 2026
Under head coach Brent Venables, Oklahoma continues building its SEC identity after a 10-win 2025 season and a CFP first-round appearance. The Sooners are trying to turn spring momentum into a Golden Hat response.
Key Questions
- • How will recruiting classes mature by 2026?
- • Can OU reverse recent trends vs Texas?
- • What offensive identity will OU establish?
Detailed Preview
Oklahoma opens against UTEP on Friday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. CT on SEC Network+. This guide will track results, rankings, and verified availability news as the Oct. 10 matchup approaches.
Recent Matchups
🏈 SEC Conference Context
By the 2026 season, Texas and Oklahoma will be entering their third year in the Southeastern Conference. This rivalry game will count as an SEC conference matchup with implications for:
🏆 SEC Championship
Win counts toward SEC standings and potential championship game berth
🎯 College Football Playoff
Major impact on 12-team playoff positioning and at-large bids
📊 Recruiting
Massive recruiting implications for Texas high school talent
Note: Texas and Oklahoma are among each other's permanent annual opponents in the SEC's 9-game conference schedule format (2026-2029).
Game Day Experience in 2026
🌤️ Weather
Dallas in early October typically sees:
- • High: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- • Low: 55-65°F (13-18°C)
- • Mostly sunny, low chance of rain
Specific forecast will be updated game week
🅿️ Parking
Cotton Bowl parking options:
- • Official State Fair parking: $25 per space
- • Gate 2: 925 S. Haskell, Dallas, TX 75223
- • Arrive early (2-3 hours before kickoff)
- • DART Green Line: Fair Park or MLK Jr. stations
🎡 State Fair of Texas
Your game ticket includes Fair admission!
- • 2026 Fair Dates: Sept 25 - Oct 18
- • Try Fletcher's Corny Dogs
- • Check out the auto show
- • Ride the Texas Star Ferris Wheel
📋 What to Bring
- ✓ Mobile tickets
- ✓ Valid ID
- ✓ Payment method for Fair food and activities
- ✓ Sunscreen
- ✓ Team gear
- ✓ Clear bag no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches, if needed
- ✗ Clear backpacks and larger bags
Planning Ahead for 2026?
Stay updated with the latest information and ticket details
2026 Planning FAQ
When is the 2026 Red River Rivalry?
The game is scheduled for Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas.
Is the Red River Showdown the same game?
Yes. Red River Showdown is another common name for the Texas vs Oklahoma Red River Rivalry game at the Cotton Bowl.
What time is kickoff?
Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT. The TV assignment is listed as ABC or ESPN, with the final single-network designation still to come.
Where should I go for venue details?
Use the Cotton Bowl Stadium guide for address, transit, seating, and game-day entry notes.
More quick answers are available in the Red River Rivalry FAQ.
📅 Last checked September 2, 2026: The game remains scheduled for October 10 at 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC or ESPN. Texas is No. 5 and Oklahoma No. 10 in the preseason AP poll. Texas' school allotment is sold out, eligible Oklahoma students have a Sept. 8-9 sale, and current State Fair parking, transit, admission, and bag details are reflected above. Final network designation and game-week availability remain pending.
Looking for the previous game? View 2025 Game Guide →