I’ve been a Texas Longhorns fan for 25 years, and only a few things stir my heart like the Red River Rivalry.
Every October, the clash between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl becomes more than a football game—a celebration, a showdown, and an annual reminder of one of the greatest rivalries in college sports. From the crisp air of fall to the sea of Burnt Orange and Crimson surrounding the stadium, this is an event that any fan, from the casual to the die-hard, can’t help but feel deep in their bones.
Let me set the scene for those who haven’t experienced it firsthand. The Texas State Fair is in full swing just outside the Cotton Bowl. Smells waft of corn dogs, funnel cakes, and turkey legs. While some families and friends gather to ride the Ferris wheel, let’s be honest. Most of us are here for the showdown inside the stadium.
The rivalry runs much deeper than a single Saturday afternoon. It’s a whole week of build-up known as Hate Week. Social media explodes with back-and-forth banter, offices are divided, and lifelong friends may even stop talking to each other for a few days. It’s a special kind of rivalry, born of state pride, school loyalty, and a tradition that dates back over a century. And while we love a good win, it’s not just about the score—it’s about bragging rights for the following year.
Then there’s the sight of the Cotton Bowl, split right down the middle—Burnt Orange to one side, Crimson to the other. It’s breathtaking! The noise is electric, especially when our Texas Longhorns take the field. It’s a game where every moment counts, and every snap can change the course of history. For those three hours, nothing else matters. The tension in the air, the intensity on the field, and the passion in the stands make it one of the best atmospheres in college football.
With a record of 63-51-5 in favor of Texas, we’ve had more than our fair share of victories. But as every Longhorn knows, this game is always unpredictable. No matter how the teams look on paper, the rivalry brings out both teams’ best and worst. It’s more than just football; it’s Texas pride, Oklahoma grit, and two states vying for dominance on one of the biggest stages in college football.
The fan rivalry is as spirited as it gets. Oklahoma fans will always remind us of their national championships, while we like to remind them that we’ve won this matchup more times than they have. And when it’s all said and done—when the final whistle blows, the Cotton Bowl lights dim, and the crowds slowly disperse—there’s a shared respect between the two fan bases. No matter the result, it’s undeniable: The Red River Rivalry makes college football special.
For me and countless others, this game celebrates what it means to be a Longhorn. It’s about the camaraderie with fellow fans, the Texas pride that runs through our veins, and the hope that when the dust settles, we’ll hoist the Golden Hat, horns held high.
Here’s to the next chapter in the Red River Rivalry—and Hook ‘Em, always!
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NOTE: This year’s edition—the first with both schools as members of the Southeastern Conference—will be played on Saturday, October 12, at 3:30 PM Eastern time and televised by ABC. Texas is a two-touchdown+ favorite.
