Red River rivalry heats up with end zone skirmish ahead of Oklahoma-Texas showdown

The rivalry between the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns appears to be alive and well.

Texas entered this year’s Red River Rivalry after a surprise loss to the Florida Gators. Meanwhile, the sixth-ranked Sooners entered Saturday with an unblemished record.

Despite already having two defeats, Texas still seemed to understand the stakes of the Cotton Bowl. The intensity became even more evident when players from Oklahoma and Texas met in the end zone, and a skirmish ensued.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The end zone scoreboard before a game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns on October 11, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. (William Purnell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Staff members and referees from Oklahoma and Texas intervened and attempted to separate the players.

QB TY SIMPSON SHINES, ALABAMA OVERCOMES MISSOURI IN 3RD SEC ADVANCE VICTORY

The Sooners players finally turned toward the tunnel.

Preseason Heisman Trophy candidate John Mateer returned to the starting lineup Saturday after missing a game with a hand injury. Mateer has accumulated 1,215 passing yards and another 190 rushing yards so far this season.

The Sooners line up before the Red River rivalry between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas on Saturday, October 11, 2025. (Sarah Phipps/The Oklahoman/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

Meanwhile, once-highly touted Arch Manning failed to live up to expectations in his first season as Texas’ full-time starter.

Manning finished the Longhorns’ season-opening loss to Ohio State with 170 passing yards. He entered Saturday with 1,151 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) looks to throw as Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) defends during the first quarter at the Cotton Bowl on October 11, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)

Texas entered the 2025 Red River Rivalry with an all-time lead of 64-41-5. But the Sooners have won seven of the last 10 meetings.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Oklahoma led 6-3 at halftime Saturday.

Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage onand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.