DALLAS, Texas — One of college football’s most recognizable rivalries is ready for another chapter as the No. 1 Texas Longhorns meet the Oklahoma Sooners in the annual Allstate Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl.
The 2026 edition is scheduled for Saturday, October 10, bringing Texas and Oklahoma together during the State Fair of Texas in Dallas.
Texas enters the rivalry game unbeaten at 4-0, while Oklahoma is 2-2 heading into the matchup.
For fans asking where to watch Texas vs. Oklahoma, here’s everything you need to know before kickoff — including the game time, TV channel, streaming options, venue, rivalry history and the biggest storylines surrounding this year’s showdown.
📺 HOW TO WATCH TEXAS VS. OKLAHOMA
The game is scheduled for Saturday, October 10, at 2:30 p.m. CT (3:30 p.m.
ET) at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
The matchup will be broadcast nationally on ABC.
The University of Texas’ official game center lists ABC as the television network for the 2026 Red River Rivalry, while the school’s schedule confirms the 2:30 p.m.
CT kickoff.
That means fans with access to their local ABC affiliate can watch the rivalry through traditional television.
The specific channel number will depend on the viewer’s local market and provider.
Because this is one of the biggest games on the college football calendar, fans should check their local listings ahead of time and make sure the correct ABC channel is included in their television package.
📱 LIVE-STREAMING OPTIONS
Fans who prefer to watch on a phone, tablet, computer or smart TV can use the ESPN app, which carries ESPN’s ABC programming for eligible viewers with the appropriate access.
Other authorized live-TV streaming services that carry ABC may also provide access, depending on the viewer’s location and subscription.
Viewers should confirm their streaming credentials before kickoff.
Checking the local ABC availability and signing in early can help avoid last-minute problems once the game begins.
For fans outside the United States, broadcast rights can differ by country, so checking the local sports provider is recommended.
The important thing is to use an authorized broadcast or streaming service and have everything ready before the 2:30 p.m.
CT kickoff.
🏟️ THE RED RIVER RIVALRY RETURNS TO DALLAS
Unlike most college football games, Texas-Oklahoma is played at a neutral site.
The Cotton Bowl in Dallas sits inside the State Fair of Texas, creating a unique game-day environment that has become synonymous with the rivalry.
The stadium is famously divided between burnt orange and crimson as supporters from both schools fill opposite sides of the venue.
Texas is officially listed as the visiting team for this year’s contest, while Oklahoma is designated as the home team.
The setting adds another layer to an already intense rivalry.
There is no traditional home-field advantage, and the atmosphere comes from thousands of fans representing both programs.
🤘 TEXAS ARRIVES AS THE NO. 1 TEAM
Texas enters Dallas ranked No. 1 nationally and carrying an unbeaten 4-0 record.
The Longhorns have already collected significant victories this season, including wins over Ohio State and Tennessee.
Their most recent game was a 20-17 road victory over Tennessee, giving Texas another major result before the rivalry matchup.
Quarterback Arch Manning has emerged as one of the central figures in Texas’ offense.
According to the Longhorns’ official game center, Manning enters the Oklahoma matchup with 862 passing yards, while running back Hollywood Smothers leads Texas in rushing with 198 yards and wide receiver Ryan Wingo leads the team in receiving with 239 yards.
Texas will now attempt to translate its strong early-season form into another performance against its biggest rival.
☝️ OKLAHOMA LOOKS TO ANSWER
Oklahoma enters the rivalry at 2-2 overall and 0-1 in SEC play.
The Sooners’ most recent game was a difficult 41-13 loss to Georgia, meaning they will have a bye week to prepare for Texas.
Oklahoma’s previous game also generated significant attention surrounding quarterback John Mateer, who threw for 231 yards and two touchdowns against Georgia but also had an interception and two lost fumbles.
The rivalry gives Oklahoma an opportunity to reset.
Against a top-ranked Texas team, the Sooners will need to protect the football, create consistent offensive possessions and prevent the Longhorns from establishing control early.
The Cotton Bowl environment can produce unusual momentum swings, making a strong start particularly important.
🔥 A RIVALRY FULL OF HISTORY
The Red River Rivalry has produced some of college football’s most memorable games.
Texas currently leads the overall series 65-51-5, according to recent game information.
However, Oklahoma has historically enjoyed stretches of success, including a 17-9 record against Texas since 2000.
Recent meetings have tilted toward Texas.
The Longhorns defeated Oklahoma 34-3 in 2024 and followed that with a 23-6 victory in 2025.
But rivalry history rarely guarantees what happens next.
Every meeting begins with a new scoreboard, and the atmosphere surrounding the Cotton Bowl can make this matchup unlike any ordinary conference game.
🔥 KEY STORYLINES TO WATCH
One of the biggest questions will be whether Oklahoma can slow down Texas’ offense.
The Sooners will need to limit explosive plays while finding ways to pressure Manning without opening opportunities for the Longhorns’ skill-position players.
On the other side, Texas’ defense will have to account for Oklahoma’s passing game and prevent the Sooners from generating easy points.
The turnover battle could be especially important.
Oklahoma cannot afford to give a top-ranked opponent extra possessions, while Texas will want to maintain the ball security that has helped fuel its unbeaten start.
Third-down efficiency and red-zone execution will also deserve attention.
In a rivalry this intense, a handful of critical possessions can determine the outcome.
📣 GET READY FOR THE RED RIVER RIVALRY
For fans asking where to watch Texas vs. Oklahoma, the essential information is clear:
📅 Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
⏰ Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. CT / 3:30 p.m. ET
📍 Location: Cotton Bowl, Dallas, Texas
📺 TV: ABC
📱 Streaming: ESPN app and authorized services carrying ABC
Texas enters as the No. 1 team in the country, while Oklahoma comes into the rivalry looking to respond after its latest loss.
The State Fair will be in full swing. The Cotton Bowl will be divided between burnt orange and crimson.
And two of college football’s most historic programs will meet once again.
Check your ABC listing, confirm your streaming access and get ready early.
The Red River Rivalry is coming to Dallas — and Texas vs. Oklahoma is once again taking center stage.
