Longhorns' Red River Heartbreak: Stock Up, Stock Down After Stunning 27-24 Loss to Oklahoma

In Week 6, Texas had its two-game Red River Rivalry winning streak snapped by Oklahoma in a stunning 27-24 defeat. The Sooners clinched the victory on a 47-yard field goal by kicker Tate Sandell as the clock hit zero.

For the Longhorns, the loss wasn't due to a lack of effort or poor play across the board. In fact, many players turned in strong individual performances in Dallas against an Oklahoma team that entered the game underestimated after lopsided losses to Michigan and Georgia.

However, enough miscues occurred late to let the Sooners slip past Texas. This game could serve as a learning tool for head coach Steve Sarkisian as he diagnoses his program's issues ahead of a must-win matchup with Florida. The Gators defeated the Longhorns in the "Swamp" last year, putting the 2025 season in a precarious position by the end of September. For now, though, the pain lingers.

Here's a look at which players boosted or damaged their stock during Saturday's upsetting neutral-site loss:

Stock Up: Cam Coleman

With five receptions for 110 receiving yards, Cam Coleman delivered the breakout performance Texas had been awaiting all season. His 41-yard touchdown catch seemed to signal the start of a dream afternoon at the Cotton Bowl. Unfortunately, Coleman's coming-out party wasn't supported enough by his fellow skill-position players on offense to push the Longhorns over the top.

Stock Up: Colin Simmons

Colin Simmons maintained his torrid pace on the edge, racking up two sacks and forcing a fumble on Sooners quarterback John Mateer. Although Oklahoma recovered the fumble, Simmons' impact on the game was undeniable. He continues to justify first-round hype for the 2027 NFL draft.

Stock Down: Arch Manning

Arch Manning made some impressive throws against the Sooners, but his two fourth-quarter interceptions essentially cost the Longhorns the game. Oklahoma safety Peyton Bowen's pick-six gave the Sooners their first lead, while OU cornerback Courtland Guillory's interception with 24 seconds left, while covering Coleman, provided great field position before setting up the game-winning kick. Manning will hear about this loss for a long time, and it may stick with him for a while.

Stock Down: Gio Spetic

Texas kicker Gio Spetic missed what would have been the go-ahead field goal with 2:00 left on the clock. It was his only miss of the day, but Spetic picked the worst possible moment for that gaffe, given what transpired shortly after.

Stock Up: Derrek Cooper

Derrek Cooper had his most efficient game in Week 6, rushing for 41 yards on eight carries. After an underwhelming seven-carry, seven-yard day against the Volunteers and being missing in action against Ohio State, Cooper re-emerged to prove he can move the rock against SEC competition.

Stock Down: Jeff Banks

Beyond Spetic's critical miss, a blocked punt led to the first Sooners touchdown of the day. Mac Chiumento also shanked a punt in the third quarter that traveled just 29 yards. Oklahoma scored on the next possession. Sark promised Jeff Banks wouldn't go anywhere, but the media asking about his job security is an awful sign for the special teams coordinator.

Andrew is a freelance journalist based in Austin, Texas, who has bylines on Hardwood Houdini, Nothin' But Nets, and The Sporting News. His work has been featured in The Miami Herald, Bleacher Report, and Yahoo Sports. Andrew graduated from Brooklyn College with a degree in print journalism in 2017 and has been a sports fan since 1993. Follow ARJHughes.