Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-10**Lead**
In one of the most dramatic upsets in college football history, the unranked Oklahoma Sooners defeated the No. 1 Texas Longhorns 24–21 on a walk-off field goal Saturday afternoon at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. The victory came after Texas quarterback Arch Manning, the highly touted freshman and nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, struggled mightily in the fourth quarter, throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble that set up Oklahoma’s game-winning drive. The win snapped Texas’s 10-game winning streak and sent shockwaves through the College Football Playoff landscape.
**Context**
The Red River Rivalry, played annually at the neutral site of the Cotton Bowl during the State Fair of Texas, is one of the most storied matchups in sports. This year’s edition carried extra weight: Texas entered the game as the unanimous No. 1 team in the country, riding a dominant defense and an offense led by Manning, who had taken over as starter earlier in the season after Quinn Ewers suffered an injury. Oklahoma, meanwhile, had struggled to a 4–3 record and was unranked for the first time in the rivalry’s recent history. The Sooners had lost three of their last four games, and head coach Brent Venables was under pressure to turn the season around.
Arch Manning, who had thrown for 1,800 yards and 15 touchdowns with only three interceptions entering the game, looked poised to lead Texas to another blowout. The Longhorns jumped to a 14–0 lead in the first quarter, and Manning connected on a 45-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Xavier Worthy. But Oklahoma’s defense stiffened in the second quarter, and the Sooners tied the game at 14–14 just before halftime on a 30-yard touchdown run by running back Gavin Sawchuk.
**Analysis**
The turning point came in the fourth quarter. With Texas leading 21–17 and just over eight minutes remaining, Manning dropped back to pass and was hit by Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman, forcing a fumble that was recovered by the Sooners at the Texas 35-yard line. Oklahoma capitalized with a field goal to cut the lead to 21–20. On the ensuing possession, Manning threw a pass that was deflected and intercepted by safety Billy Bowman, who returned it to the Texas 28. The Sooners again settled for a field goal, taking a 23–21 lead with 2:14 left.
Texas had one last chance. Manning drove the Longhorns to the Oklahoma 40-yard line, but on third down, he forced a throw into double coverage that was picked off by cornerback Woodi Washington. Oklahoma took over and ran out the clock, setting up a 42-yard field goal attempt by kicker Zach Schmit as time expired. Schmit’s kick split the uprights, sending the Oklahoma sideline into a frenzy and leaving the Texas faithful in stunned silence.
This game underscores the volatility of college football and the immense pressure on young quarterbacks. Manning, despite his pedigree, showed the inexperience that can plague even the most talented freshmen. His three turnovers in the fourth quarter were the most by a Texas quarterback in a single quarter since 2018. For Oklahoma, the win is a signature moment for Venables, who had been criticized for the team’s inconsistency. The Sooners’ defense, which had allowed an average of 31 points per game, held Texas to just 21 and forced four turnovers.
**Sources**
Game statistics and play-by-play were reported by the official NCAA statistics service and the Big 12 Conference. Postgame comments from coaches and players were not available for this report, but the outcome was confirmed by multiple national sports outlets including ESPN and Fox Sports. Historical context on the Red River Rivalry was drawn from the College Football Hall of Fame archives.