Texas Faces Pressure Ahead of Red River Showdown Against Oklahoma

Dallas, Texas — The Texas Longhorns, once favored to be the 2025 preseason No. 1, are facing a critical moment as they prepare for the Allstate Red River Showdown against Oklahoma this Saturday at the Cotton Bowl. Coach Steve Sarkisian‘s team is eager to turn their season around after suffering two disappointing losses.

After a summer filled with expectations, the Longhorns are under pressure to perform. “I love all aspects of this game,” Sarkisian said. “I don’t love that there’s some noise around how we’re playing, but that’s the reality of the situation. We’ve got to focus on us.” This notion of camaraderie is essential as the team gears up for a challenging matchup.

Much of the blame for Texas’s struggles has fallen on freshman quarterback Arch Manning, who has yet to meet the high expectations set for him. He currently ranks 39th in the FBS for passer rating. Manning recognizes the need for improvement, stating, “I have to play better, tighten up my footwork, and stop sailing passes that I usually complete.” His performance against tough competition has highlighted the difficulties the offense faces.

Critics point to the coaching decisions that have hampered the team’s progress. After losing three offensive linemen to the NFL Draft, Texan fans are questioning why the coaching staff did not recruit replacements through the transfer portal. For example, top transfer Isaiah World, who played for Nevada, is now excelling at Oregon instead of Texas.

In addition, the Longhorns have struggled to find reliable weapons for Manning. With a chance to attract top receiver talent, the team failed to recruit potential stars like Mario Craver, who now plays for Texas A&M. Sarkisian acknowledged this issue, stating, “We’ve got to coach better, we’ve got to play better.”

The Longhorns stand tied at 63rd among FBS teams in scoring, and their offensive struggles are palpable. They have managed only one rushing touchdown against Power 5 opponents, while Manning has a mixed record of touchdowns against weaker competition.

As they prepare for the Red River Showdown, Texas has the chance to reset the narrative of their season. A victory could revive their College Football Playoff aspirations and reinvigorate the fanbase. The impending matchup serves as a critical point in their season, with a victory needed to ease the mounting pressure on Sarkisian.

Win or lose, the outcome of the game will significantly impact the perception of the Longhorns’ season moving forward, particularly as they seek to regain their footing in a competitive landscape.