Texas Upsets Oklahoma in Red River Rivalry as Arch Manning Shines
Introduction
The Texas Longhorns pulled off a stunning upset against the No. 6 Oklahoma Sooners in the Red River Rivalry, keeping their College Football Playoff hopes alive. Arch Manning led the charge with a composed performance, completing 21 of 27 passes for 166 yards and a crucial touchdown. This victory marked Texas's first back-to-back wins over Oklahoma since 2008-2009.
Key Details
The Longhorns' defense was instrumental in the win, intercepting Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer three times and limiting the Sooners to just 258 total yards. A pivotal moment came when Ryan Niblett returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown, extending Texas's lead. Quintrevion Wisner was a workhorse for the Longhorns, rushing 22 times for 94 yards and catching five passes.
Impact
This upset not only boosts Texas's playoff aspirations but also reasserts their dominance in the rivalry. The win sets the stage for a challenging matchup against Kentucky next week, as the Longhorns seek to maintain momentum in their SEC journey.
About the People Mentioned
Arch Manning
Arch Manning, born in May 2005, is an American college football quarterback currently playing for the University of Texas Longhorns. He is a member of the renowned Manning football family, which includes his grandfather Archie Manning and uncles Peyton and Eli Manning, all of whom have had distinguished NFL careers[1][5]. Arch emerged as one of the most highly touted quarterback prospects in recent years, having shattered passing records at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, surpassing marks set by his famous uncles[1]. After joining Texas as the consensus No. 1 recruit in the 2023 class, Manning redshirted his first year before seeing limited but impressive action as a sophomore. His breakout came after stepping in for injured starter Quinn Ewers, notably delivering a dynamic performance against UTSA featuring multiple long touchdown plays both passing and rushing. In eight games, he completed 67% of his passes for 969 yards, 9 touchdowns, and only 2 interceptions, earning SEC Co-Freshman of the Week honors and a spot on the Davey O’Brien Great 8 list[1][4]. Arch has drawn significant media attention and lucrative name, image, and likeness (NIL) endorsement deals, including with Red Bull, reflecting his status as a leading college football prospect and one of the highest-paid college athletes. He is also on preseason watch lists for several major awards in 2025, such as the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and the Maxwell Award[4][5][6]. Known for his quick release, strong arm, and mobility, Arch combines the skills inherited and refined within the Manning family’s quarterback legacy with his own unique playmaking ability. He is widely regarded as a potential top NFL draft pick, with considerable anticipation surrounding his collegiate and future professional career[1][5].
John Mateer
John Mateer is an American college football quarterback currently playing for the University of Oklahoma Sooners. Born in Little Elm, Texas, Mateer is a redshirt junior known for his dual-threat capabilities as both a passer and a rusher. He transferred to Oklahoma in January 2025 after a successful stint at Washington State University, where he established himself as a top Division I independent passer. In the 2024 season at Washington State, Mateer threw for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns, leading the Cougars to an 8-4 record and earning recognition as one of the nation’s hottest quarterback prospects[1][2][4]. Mateer stands 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighs 224 pounds, and majors in organizational leadership at Oklahoma[4]. His playing style combines accuracy and mobility; over his college career, he has amassed over 7,000 passing yards with 66 passing touchdowns, alongside more than 1,200 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns[4][6]. In October 2024, he made a notable comeback from a broken hand injury sustained during a win over Auburn, returning to face high-profile opponents such as Texas and quarterback Arch Manning[1]. He is considered a strong NFL draft prospect for 2026, with some mock drafts ranking him as a first-round pick and among the top six quarterbacks eligible for the draft[1]. His performances have drawn Heisman Trophy conversations, with analysts highlighting his ability to perform in clutch moments and his "It" factor leadership on the field[1][3]. He was also named to the Manning Award midseason watch list in 2024, recognizing his impact as a leading college quarterback[7]. Mateer’s family, including his parents Stephen and Judy and sister McKayla, have played a significant role in supporting his athletic career. His father has an athletic background, having swum at the University of Missouri[1][6].
Ryan Niblett
Ryan Niblett is a versatile college football player for the University of Texas Longhorns, currently in his third year and classified as a sophomore for the 2025 season. Hailing from Houston, Texas, and a product of Eisenhower High School, Niblett originally committed to Texas as a four-star wide receiver in the 2023 recruiting class. Since joining the Longhorns, he has demonstrated notable adaptability by playing multiple positions, including wide receiver, running back, and defensive back/safety[1][2][3]. During the 2024 season, Niblett primarily played running back, appearing in 15 games mostly in a depth role behind starters such as Jaydon Blue, Quintrevion Wisner, and Jerrick Gibson. He recorded eight carries for 23 yards and scored his first career touchdown in a dominant 51-3 victory over Louisiana-Monroe. His versatility and work ethic have earned praise from teammates and coaches alike, highlighting his speed, agility, and competitive spirit[1]. In 2025, Texas coaches moved Niblett to safety, further underscoring his adaptability and value to the team. Early in the 2025 season, he contributed as a wide receiver and return specialist, accumulating significant all-purpose yards through punt and kickoff returns, with notable long returns of 49 yards. He also recorded receptions and made a solo tackle in a game against Florida. This multifaceted contribution reflects his ongoing development and importance to the Longhorns' special teams and defensive units[2]. Off the field, Niblett majors in Physical Culture & Sports at the University of Texas. His athletic profile includes a height of 5 feet 10 inches and a playing weight around 185-187 pounds. Known for his speed, he was a top-tier track athlete in high school, running the 100 meters in approximately 10.41 seconds[4]. His trajectory suggests a promising collegiate career marked by flexibility and continual growth in multiple facets of the game.
Quintrevion Wisner
Quintrevion Wisner is an American college football running back, born on May 9, 2005, in Glenn Heights, Texas. He currently plays for the Texas Longhorns as a junior. Before joining the Longhorns, Wisner attended DeSoto High School, where he had a standout senior year, rushing for 846 yards and six touchdowns, and catching 35 passes for 466 yards and four touchdowns. This performance contributed to DeSoto's state championship victory. Coming out of high school, Wisner was rated as a four-star recruit and chose to play for Texas over other top programs like Oklahoma and Texas A&M. Wisner's college career has been marked by his versatility and consistency. He has played in multiple games, including 31 games with 14 starts, and has been named third-team All-SEC in 2024[2]. As of 2025, Wisner began the season with a strong performance against Ohio State, carrying the ball 16 times for 80 yards. However, he soon faced an injury that kept him out of several games. Despite this setback, he returned to action but continued to face challenges with his hamstring, affecting his performance in games such as against Florida[4]. Wisner's recent events highlight his resilience and determination. Despite facing injuries, he remains a key figure in the Texas Longhorns' roster. His return to the field has garnered attention, particularly as he prepares for significant games like the Red River Rivalry[4]. Wisner's achievements and contributions to the team make him a notable figure in college football, with a promising future ahead. His focus on teamwork and performance over individual accolades reflects his commitment to the sport and his team[6].
About the Organizations Mentioned
Texas Longhorns
The **Texas Longhorns** are the collegiate athletic teams representing the University of Texas at Austin, a flagship institution known for its extensive and successful sports programs. The Longhorns brand is deeply tied to Texas heritage, named after the iconic Longhorn cattle, which symbolize the state's history and culture. Their mascot, Bevo, is a Texas Longhorn steer, embodying the spirit and pride of the university’s athletic tradition[2][3]. Founded in the early 20th century, the Longhorns have grown into one of the most recognizable and influential college sports brands in the nation. The nickname "Longhorn" appeared in newspapers as early as 1900, and the university officially adopted burnt orange and white as its colors by 1900, with burnt orange solidified as the signature shade in the 1960s[2][3]. The university's athletic department is notable for being self-sustaining financially, operating without subsidies from the state or university, relying on revenue from ticket sales, fundraising, sponsorships, and licensing[1][2]. The Texas Longhorns compete in a wide array of varsity sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and many others, with a commitment to excellence in both athletic and academic integrity. Texas was recognized as "America's Best Sports College" by *Sports Illustrated* in 2002 and has been a leading collegiate licensing client, generating significant revenue from fan merchandise[2]. The football team, a centerpiece of the program, competes at the NCAA Division I FBS level and is a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) as of recent years, aiming high in national competitions[4][7]. Beyond varsity sports, the university supports numerous club sports and student organizations, offering a rich environment for leadership and community engagement[5][6]. Texas Athletics emphasizes a culture of integrity, respect, and tradition, fostering an engaged and motivated environment for athletes and fans alike[1][3]. Toda
Oklahoma Sooners
The **Oklahoma Sooners** are the athletic teams representing the University of Oklahoma (OU) in Norman, Oklahoma, competing at the NCAA Division I level within the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The name "Sooners" traces back to early settlers in the 1889 Land Run, symbolizing the university's spirit of resilience and pioneering heritage[1][4]. The program fields 19 men's and women's varsity teams, with a broad sports portfolio including football, baseball, and others[1]. The Sooners are renowned for their outstanding athletic achievements, having won a total of **45 team national championships** across various sports. Their football program is particularly distinguished, with seven claimed national championships, 50 conference titles, and a historic record of 950 wins, ranking sixth all-time nationally. The football team has produced seven Heisman Trophy winners and holds the record for the longest Division I winning streak at 47 consecutive games. The current head football coach is Brent Venables, who started in 2022[3]. Oklahoma baseball also boasts a storied history with two national championships (1951, 1994) and numerous All-Americans. The program has undergone recent developments, including hosting NCAA regionals at its on-campus L. Dale Mitchell Baseball Park to avoid scheduling conflicts with minor league teams[1]. Beyond athletics, the Sooner Club plays a pivotal role in supporting nearly 600 student-athletes by providing resources that enhance their educational and athletic experiences. This organization has been instrumental in infrastructure improvements such as the Griffin Family Performance Center and the renovation of the south end zone of Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The Sooner Club’s mission reflects a commitment to excellence and positions OU athletics to thrive in the competitive SEC environment[5]. With a headquarters in Norman, Oklahoma, and approximately 74 employees, the Oklahoma Sooners organization generates an estimated $5.3 million in revenue, functioning as a significant membership and sports organization[6]. Its iconic figh
College Football Playoff
The **College Football Playoff (CFP)** is an annual knockout tournament established in 2014 to determine the national champion of NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the highest level of college football in the U.S.[1][2]. It replaced the Bowl Championship Series (BCS), which had been criticized for its selection process. Unlike the BCS’s reliance on polls and computer rankings, the CFP uses a 13-member selection committee composed of current and former athletic directors, coaches, and other professionals to rank and seed teams, emphasizing strength of schedule and overall performance[1][3]. From its inception through the 2023 season, the CFP featured a four-team single-elimination format culminating in the College Football Playoff National Championship game, which rotates its host city annually and draws significant national attention and tourism[1][2]. Ohio State won the inaugural championship in January 2015[2]. In 2024, the playoff expanded to a **12-team format**, allowing automatic bids to the five highest-ranked conference champions and additional at-large teams, increasing opportunities and generating greater competitive excitement[1][9]. This expansion reflects the evolving business landscape of college football, aiming to enhance fan engagement, broadcasting revenues, and the sport’s overall visibility[1][9]. The CFP is governed by a Board of Managers, including commissioners from the ten FBS conferences and Notre Dame’s athletic director, who oversee the organization’s operations, budgeting, and strategic direction[4][8]. The College Football Playoff Foundation, also established in 2014, leverages the platform to support charitable initiatives and community impact[4]. Notable aspects include the committee’s influential role in shaping the postseason landscape and ongoing debates about playoff expansion size and selection criteria[1][3]. The CFP stands as a significant business and sports technology model, combining data-driven decision-making with traditional sports management to deliver a premier championship experience. Overall, the CFP represents a transformative approac
SEC
The **Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)** is a U.S. federal regulatory agency established in 1934 to restore public confidence in the capital markets after the 1929 stock market crash. Its core mission is threefold: **protect investors, maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation**[2][4][6]. The SEC enforces federal securities laws and regulates key market participants, including securities exchanges, brokers, dealers, investment advisors, and mutual funds. It requires companies offering securities to the public to disclose truthful and comprehensive information about their business and investment risks. It also oversees market intermediaries to prevent fraud, insider trading, and market manipulation[1][3][6]. Over time, the SEC’s role has evolved to address changing market dynamics and technological advances. It now provides investor education, facilitates capital formation especially for small businesses and fintech firms through initiatives like the Capital Raising Hub and FinHub, and actively engages in rulemaking with public input[1][6]. The SEC is led by five presidentially appointed commissioners and operates multiple divisions and offices, including a dedicated Division of Enforcement responsible for investigating violations, pursuing administrative actions, and litigating cases in federal courts[3]. It also supports whistleblowers who report fraudulent activities[1]. Notable achievements include developing comprehensive regulatory frameworks such as the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, pioneering investor protection laws, and adapting regulations to new challenges like digital asset markets. The SEC's enforcement actions and policy leadership have been crucial in maintaining market integrity and investor trust in U.S. financial markets[2][7]. Currently headquartered in Washington, D.C., the SEC continues to be a pivotal institution in U.S. financial regulation, balancing innovation with investor protection to uphold the stability and efficiency of the capital markets[5][6]. Its commitment to transparency, fairness, and accountability makes it a key player for business and technology news audiences interested in market oversight an
