An Early Look at SEC Opponent: Texas

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

The first two SEC games for the Sooners could very well likely define their whole season. It can't get much more brutal than having the top two AP-ranked SEC teams as your first two conference games. While both teams are in a different conference, the tradition stays the same. However, just like the SEC, it just means more. Not only could this game lead the way to an SEC championship berth, but it also could lead to a national championship run. 

Texas Quick Outlook: 

Location: Austin, Texas

Stadium:  Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium

Head Coach: Steve Sarkisian

National Championships: 4 (1963, 1969, 1970, 2005)

Conference Championships: 34 (Four in the Big 12: 1996, 2005, 2009, 2023)

2025 Record: 10-3 (6-2 in SEC); Defeated Michigan in the Citrus Bowl 41-27

Players to Watch: 

Arch Manning QB Junior (6-4, 222): Manning got off to a rough start in his first season as a college full-time starter, but had a strong finish in the second half of 2025. He has one of the best arms in college football and has the ability to run when needed. He has a record of 12-3 as a starter with one of those wins coming in the 2025 Red River Rivalry against at the time No. 6 ranked Oklahoma. In the 38-7 win over San Jose State last year, Manning became only the fifth Longhorn quarterback to throw at least four touchdowns in the first half of a game in the last 30 years. The only other quarterbacks to do so was Vince Young, Casey Thompson, Sam Ehlinger and Quinn Ewers. He is also just one of three SEC players to have multiple games with at least four passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown as an underclassmen. The other two were Tua Tagovailoa of Alabama and Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M. He finished 2025 with 3,163 yards passing and 399 rushing yards, with 26 touchdowns, just seven interceptions and 10 rushing touchdowns. He has the potential to be a Heisman finalist and it could be the best season of his career. However, the Sooners' defense has already seen Manning. While he was 21-for-27, Oklahoma held him to just 166 yards passing and 34 yards rushing. Even if the Sooners' offense just slightly improves, this game should see a massive load of fireworks. 

Cam Coleman WR Junior (6-3, 204): This is probably one of the most talented receivers the Longhorns have had in recent memory. I had the privilege to watch Coleman in person last season in Norman when Oklahoma hosted Auburn. While he only had three receptions for 46 receiving yards against the Sooners, they were huge catches. Not only is he fast and athletic, but he knows how to make plays. The Sooners can not under any circumstances sleep on this guy. He will be looking for big time revenge after the 24-17 loss at Oklahoma. I am excited for this matchup and looking forward to seeing the Sooner secondary face Coleman once again. 

Colin Simmons DE Junior (6-3, 246): On the other side of the ball, you have one of the best defensive lineman in the entire country. While the Sooner offensive line looks to be a big step up from 2025, Simmons is a veteran in the SEC and the Red River Rivalry. He is one of four Longhorns that made the AP Preseason All-American list for this season. If Texas is really back in 2026, Simmons will be the main reason for that on the defensive side. He has shown his physicality in the SEC by leading the conference in 2025 with 12 sacks. He was also ranked fifth nationally in sacks. In the last matchup against Oklahoma, Simmons recorded five total tackles that included 2.5 sacks. 

This is a big year for Steve Sarkisian as Texas fans are itching for him to lead the Longhorns back to the playoffs. Just like Oklahoma, the Longhorns have been in a national championship drought for 20-plus years. While most media members think Texas is more likely to stop that drought, everyone also doubted the Sooners during their run to the 2000 national championship. 

The 2026 Red River Rivalry will take place as always at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas. The game is set to kickoff right in the heart of the Texas State Fair on Saturday, October 10 at 2:30 p.m. with TV time to be announced. Texas is currently a six-point favorite with the over/under set at 48.5 points. 

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos