Tensions flare in Red River Rivalry, sparking Oklahoma-Texas players' pregame scuffle

Joel Klatt joins Colin Cowherd to discuss Arch Manning’s struggles, whether Bill Belichick is a bad fit for UNC and whether USC can beat Michigan.

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

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

Despite already having two losses, Texas still seemed to understand what was at stake at the Cotton Bowl. The intensity became even more apparent when players from both Oklahoma and Texas met in the end zone, and a skirmish ensued.

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

Oklahoma and Texas staff members and referees intervened and tried to separate the players.

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The Sooners players eventually turned toward the tunnel. 

John Mateer, a preseason Heisman Trophy candidate, returned to the starting lineup Saturday after missing a game because of a hand injury. Mateer has racked up 1,215 passing yards and picked up another 190 on the ground so far this season.

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

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

Manning finished the