In the world of college sports, few rivalries ignite passion quite like the Red River Rivalry. When the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners clash, it’s more than just a game — it’s a cultural event, a historical battle, and a test of identity for fans and players alike. So when the Texas Longhorns punched their ticket to the national championship game, the story took an intriguing twist: one of Texas’ brightest stars revealed he preferred to face Oklahoma in the title game rather than the surprise contender, Texas Tech.
The revelation came in a post-game interview shortly after the Longhorns secured their semifinal victory, setting the stage for a national championship game many had not expected. The Longhorns were dominant all season, with an elite defense and an offense powered by playmakers across the board. Yet as confetti fell and the team celebrated, junior wide receiver and team captain Jaylen Mitchell offered a surprising perspective.
“No disrespect to Tech — they earned their spot,” Mitchell said. “But if you ask me who I wanted, I wanted OU. I wanted the Red River Rivalry on the biggest stage. That’s history, man. That’s legacy.”
A Red River on the Horizon That Never Came
The 2024-25 season had seen both Texas and Oklahoma hovering near the top of national rankings. After Texas defeated Alabama early in the season and powered through SEC play in their first official year in the conference, Oklahoma followed suit with a near-flawless record in the Big 12. The idea of a Red River national championship began to bubble as early as Week 6. Fans fantasized about the spectacle — a rivalry steeped in lore elevated to the ultimate level.
Both teams were projected into the College Football Playoff by Week 13. And after the semifinal matchups were announced — with Texas facing Michigan and Oklahoma set to battle underdog Texas Tech — everything pointed to a titanic Longhorns-Sooners final.
But fate intervened. In a shocking upset, Texas Tech stunned Oklahoma, knocking off the Sooners in a gritty 27–24 contest. Their quarterback, Donovan McAlister, threw for three touchdowns and outplayed Oklahoma’s Heisman finalist in the biggest game of his life. The Sooners were out, the Red River dream dashed.
Inside the Mind of Jaylen Mitchell
Mitchell’s desire to face Oklahoma wasn’t born from disrespect. In fact, he was quick to praise Texas Tech.
“They balled out. No doubt. Tech earned it. But the way we’re wired down here in Austin, that Red River means something different. You beat OU in the natty? You’re a legend. Forever. I wanted that.”
Mitchell, a Dallas native, grew up immersed in the Texas-Oklahoma rivalry. As a child, he attended games at the Cotton Bowl with his father, witnessing firsthand the raw energy of the split stadium, burnt orange versus crimson, pride versus pride.
“I remember sitting in the stands as a 10-year-old, watching Colt McCoy torch their defense. That’s the game that made me dream about putting on a Longhorn jersey. That rivalry is in my blood.”
As a captain, Mitchell wasn’t alone in those feelings. Several Longhorns players echoed the sentiment off the record. Facing Oklahoma, on a neutral field, with a national title on the line, would’ve been something beyond a game — it would’ve been a chapter in college football history.
The Legacy of the Red River Rivalry
The Texas-Oklahoma rivalry has always been one of college football’s most intense and culturally significant matchups. Played annually at the Cotton Bowl during the State Fair of Texas, the game often determines the fate of conference titles, playoff chances, and even Heisman hopefuls.
Elevating that rivalry to the national championship level would’ve been a seismic moment in college football history. Not since Auburn-Alabama or Michigan-Ohio State have fans even dared to dream of a rivalry game that carries such weight being played for the ultimate prize.
ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit addressed the missed opportunity on air:
“It would’ve been electric. Texas vs. OU for all the marbles? That’s a 40-million-viewer game. That’s generational. And you can’t blame Texas for wanting that moment.”
Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian, however, was quick to keep his team focused on the actual opponent.
“We respect every team in the playoff, and Texas Tech showed they belong. If anyone thinks we’re overlooking them, they don’t know our locker room. That being said — yeah, I get the emotional piece. Red River is different.”
Texas Tech: The Party Crashers
While Texas and Oklahoma fans envisioned a Red River finale, Texas Tech had other plans. The Red Raiders came into the postseason as the clear underdog, a Cinderella story powered by their defense and a gritty, dual-threat quarterback in McAlister. Tech’s coaching staff played the disrespect card brilliantly, convincing their players they were being dismissed by media and rivals alike.
After knocking off Oklahoma, Tech embraced the underdog narrative.
“They wanted a rivalry game,” said Tech linebacker and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Rashad Cole. “We’re giving them a Texas showdown instead. Might not be the one they wanted — but it’s the one they’re getting.”
That sentiment has fueled Tech’s preparation for the title game. They’ve studied Texas all year, and head coach Joey McGuire has emphasized physicality and discipline. The Longhorns may have superior talent on paper, but Tech thrives on being counted out.
Still, the notion that Texas wanted someone else adds fire to the Red Raiders’ motivational bonfire.
“They don’t respect us,” said Cole. “We hear it. But come game night, we’ll show them why we’re here.”
Fan Reaction: Split Between Dreams and Reality
Among the Longhorns faithful, Mitchell’s comments stirred a range of emotions. Some fans applauded his honesty.
“I love it,” said UT alum and longtime booster Thomas Wills. “That’s a competitor’s mindset. You want the best. You want the one that means the most.”
Others worried it might serve as unnecessary bulletin board material for Tech.
“Why give them fuel?” one fan tweeted. “You play who’s in front of you. Beat Tech first, then talk.”
Social media buzzed with takes, memes, and Red River nostalgia. Old highlights from Vince Young, Roy Williams, Sam Bradford, and Ricky Williams flooded timelines. Even former players weighed in. Former Longhorn safety Michael Huff tweeted:
“Would’ve loved to see that Red River natty. That’s the stuff of legends.”
Meanwhile, Oklahoma fans expressed bitterness and envy, many left wondering what might’ve been.
“We had them,” one fan lamented on Reddit. “This was our shot. And we blew it.”
The Stakes Remain Sky High
Though the Red River championship won’t come to pass, the stakes for Texas are unchanged. A national title would be the Longhorns’ first since the Vince Young era in 2005. It would cement Sarkisian’s turnaround and restore Texas to college football’s elite.
For Jaylen Mitchell, the opponent may not be the one he hoped for — but the goal remains the same.
“We’ve got a ring to chase. Doesn’t matter if it’s OU, Tech, or anybody else. We’re here to finish this. But yeah — I’ll always wonder what it would’ve been like with OU on the other sideline.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Red River
While Texas and Oklahoma both transition fully into SEC play, fans are already speculating about when the two powerhouses might meet in another College Football Playoff or national title.
The new 12-team playoff format, launching officially next season, increases the odds of future Red River postseason meetings. More slots mean more opportunities — and more possibilities for college football’s greatest rivalries to take center stage.
ESPN’s Rece Davis captured the mood perfectly:
“This year gave us a taste. The dream matchup almost came true. And with the new playoff, it’s not a question of if anymore — it’s when.
The national championship is set. Texas vs. Texas Tech. A Lone Star showdown for all the glory.
Yet in the shadows of this achievement, the echo of a different possibility lingers. A Red River title game — the kind of contest etched in granite, immortalized forever. For players like Jaylen Mitchell, who grew up with the rivalry stitched into their soul, that absence is felt deeply.
