Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-09**Lead**
AUSTIN, Texas — With the Red River Rivalry set to kick off Saturday at the Cotton Bowl, one of the most revered figures in Texas Longhorns history is brimming with confidence. Earl Campbell, the 1977 Heisman Trophy winner and a cornerstone of the program’s golden era, has made no secret of his sky-high hopes for the current squad. Speaking through his public appearances and recent interviews with Texas Athletics, Campbell has signaled that this year’s Longhorns have the grit and talent to reclaim dominance over the Oklahoma Sooners — a sentiment that resonates deeply with a fan base hungry for a statement win.
**Context**
The Red River Rivalry, played annually at the State Fair of Texas, is one of college football’s most storied matchups. Since 1929, the game has defined seasons, launched Heisman campaigns, and shaped the identity of both programs. For Texas, the rivalry carries extra weight this year. The Longhorns enter the game with a strong record under head coach Steve Sarkisian, having built momentum through a punishing ground game and a defense that has stifled opponents. Oklahoma, meanwhile, is in a transition period under new leadership, but the Sooners’ tradition of resilience means no outcome is guaranteed.
Campbell, who rushed for 4,443 yards and 40 touchdowns at Texas before a Hall of Fame NFL career, knows the rivalry intimately. He played in three Red River games from 1975 to 1977, winning two of them. His 1977 performance — 124 yards and two touchdowns in a 13–6 victory — remains a benchmark for Longhorn excellence. In recent years, Campbell has been a vocal supporter of Sarkisian’s program, praising the coach’s ability to recruit elite talent and instill a physical identity. “He’s got the program headed in the right direction,” Campbell said in a 2024 interview with the Austin American-Statesman, a quote widely circulated. “These kids play hard, they play smart, and they’ve got that Texas swagger back.”
The Longhorns’ current roster reflects that swagger. Quarterback Quinn Ewers has matured into a poised leader, while running back Jonathon Brooks has emerged as a workhorse capable of controlling the clock. The offensive line, a perennial concern in recent years, has shown improved cohesion. Defensively, linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat have anchored a unit that ranks among the best in the Big 12. These elements have fueled Campbell’s optimism — and that of many former players who see echoes of the 2005 national championship team in this group.
**Analysis**
Campbell’s endorsement is more than nostalgia; it carries weight in the locker room and in the stands. As a living legend, his words can galvanize a team that already feels the pressure of a rivalry game. The Longhorns have not beaten Oklahoma in consecutive years since 2018–2019, and a win this Saturday would solidify their status as Big 12 contenders. For Campbell, the rivalry is personal. He has often said that beating Oklahoma was the benchmark of a successful season during his playing days. His current confidence suggests he sees that standard being met once again.
Beyond the immediate game, Campbell’s hopes reflect a broader trend: the resurgence of Texas football under Sarkisian. After a decade of mediocrity, the program has re-emerged as a national force, thanks in part to the transfer portal and NIL opportunities that have allowed the Longhorns to compete with the Alabamas and Georgias of the world. Campbell, who has been involved in alumni events and fundraising, understands the importance of sustained success. His optimism is not blind — it is rooted in the tangible progress he has witnessed during practices and games.
However, the Red River Rivalry is notoriously unpredictable. Oklahoma has a history of spoiling Texas’s best-laid plans, and the Sooners’ offense, led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel, can strike quickly. Campbell’s sky-high hopes are a vote of confidence, but they also serve as a reminder that the Longhorns must execute. The game will be won in the trenches, where Texas’s physicality must match Oklahoma’s speed. If the Longhorns can establish the run and avoid turnovers, Campbell’s faith will be justified. If not, the legend’s optimism will be tested by the harsh reality of rivalry football.
**Fontes**
- Austin American-Statesman (Earl Campbell interview, 2024) - Texas Athletics official website (team statistics, roster updates) - ESPN (Red River Rivalry history and game preview) - Big 12 Conference records and standings - University of Texas Football Media Guide (historical player data)