The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Allstate Red River Rivalry
History
The Texas-Oklahoma rivalry is one of college football’s most storied matchups, with 120 games played since the series began in 1900. Texas leads the all-time series 64-51-5, with the rivalry dating back to 1900—when Texas claimed a 28-2 victory. Since 1912, the game has been held annually in Dallas, and since 1929, it has been a centerpiece of the State Fair of Texas, making this the 102nd time it's played at a neutral site. The Longhorns are 4-0-1 in games when ranked No. 1 heading into the Red River Rivalry, including a memorable No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown in 1984 that ended in a 15-15 tie. UT has entered the matchup undefeated 53 times and holds a 34-17-1 record in those games, including wins in three of the last five. The game has often had high stakes, and recent years have brought nail-biters—nine of the last ten meetings have been decided by one score. This rivalry is not only the most-played series in Texas Football history, it’s also one of the most intense and tradition-rich in all of college football.
Traditions
No game captures tradition quite like the Red River Rivalry. Since 1929, the annual meeting has taken place at the Cotton Bowl during the State Fair of Texas, where burnt orange and crimson split the stadium evenly down the 50-yard line. The venue, renamed the Cotton Bowl in 1936, has hosted the game for 87 consecutive years. Among the many unique traditions is the exchange of the Governor’s Cup, a trophy passed between the governors of Texas and Oklahoma after each game. Equally iconic is the Golden Hat—a gold-plated cowboy hat mounted on a wooden base, awarded to the winner since 1941. The rivalry’s pageantry is heightened by its neutral setting, split crowd, and high stakes, creating a one-of-a-kind atmosphere unmatched in college football. As the away team this year, Texas will don its white uniforms and take the east bench in one of the sport’s most electrifying showdowns.
