The result on the field was Texas 34, Oklahoma 3.
For recruits watching in the stands at the Cotton Bowl and around the country on television, the summation was this: The Longhorns could win the national title. Oklahoma is still far off.
“Kind of expected it,” 2027 five-star receiver Boobie Feaster said.
“Texas would surprise me a lot this year if they don’t win a natty. They’ve proven over and over that they are very dominant. I love Texas. I love the culture but also the coaching staff.”
It was a similar response from many elite prospects who watched Texas dismantle the Sooners in the lopsided victory.
Oklahoma was held to 89 rushing yards and 237 total yards. Texas had more than 400. Depleted at wide receiver, the Sooners had no player with more than 45 receiving yards. The Longhorns had five sacks; Oklahoma had one.
Leading up to the game, Oklahoma coach Brent Venables mused that he would eat a corndog from the Texas State Fair if the Sooners won. It was coach Steve Sarkisian who walked into his post-game press conference munching on one, a clear shot in the Red River Rivalry.
“It’s amazing,” Sarkisian said.
Others had their say as well. Top 2027 four-star offensive tackle Brian Swanson, who had the Sooners as his early front-runner recently, could be changing his tune after seeing Texas dominate on Saturday afternoon.
“OU definitely has work to do to make it through the SEC,” Swanson said. “Texas looked good. I feel like the passing could’ve been better but overall they look good. This definitely helps Texas in my recruitment. After the first half, I see coach Sark worked his magic and made changes and they shut OU out.”
Said 2026 four-star receiver Aljour Miles, who’s had Oklahoma and SMU high on his list: “The game showed a lot of what OU needs to improve on and adjust with their team. As far as Texas it doesn’t affect my recruitment too much but this was an important and good win for them.”
Right now, these two programs could not be much further apart. Texas is No. 1 heading into its showdown against fifth-ranked Georgia this weekend.
The Sooners are 4-2, couldn’t get their offense kickstarted against Tennessee, needed a miracle pick-six to beat Auburn and then got walloped by their biggest rival on Saturday.
Oklahoma is about a field goal favorite over 3-3 South Carolina this weekend.
“Through the first half of the season, I haven’t seen a lot of teams that have played as well in all three phases as they have,” Venables said of Texas.
“They have a good team and they’re good in the right places – quarterback, offensive line, they have explosive playmakers, they have a really good defense, they have good experience. … They’re a veteran team who has good players.”
More good players could be on the way after some elite recruits watched this one.
“Texas is a very pass-first team,” 2027 four-star receiver Antayvious Ellis said. “Any wide receiver would just be blessed playing in the type of offense . It definitely helps Texas in my recruitment process.
“Not only do I have a great relationship with the coaching staff, they always show love and try to get me on campus each and every week.”
