Texas and Oklahoma Will Face Off at Cotton Bowl
The annual rivalry game will feature updated stadium amenities for fans in Dallas.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Football
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The Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners will meet at the Cotton Bowl on October 10, 2026. This matchup continues an annual tradition held at the venue since 1932.
Why it matters
The game remains a cornerstone of college football tradition in a unique setting that splits fan seating exactly at the 50-yard line. The current venue agreement ensures the rivalry will stay in Dallas through 2036.
The City of Dallas invested $140 million in stadium improvements for the facility located within the State Fair grounds. Seating for the game is split directly at the 50-yard line between the two fanbases.
The players
Texas Longhorns
The athletic teams representing the University of Texas at Austin participate in the Southeastern Conference.
Oklahoma Sooners
The athletic teams representing the University of Oklahoma in Norman compete in the Southeastern Conference.
The details
The game, which has been played annually at the Cotton Bowl since 1932, will showcase significant stadium renovations intended to modernize the historic venue. These infrastructure upgrades are part of a broader commitment to keep the high-profile rivalry within the city limits for the next decade.
Timeline
1922 was the last time the rivalry game was hosted in Norman.
1932 marked the first year the series began at the Cotton Bowl.
2018 was the year the Big 12 Championship game was held at AT&T Stadium.
2023 was the year schools signed an agreement to play at the Cotton Bowl through 2036.
October 10, 2026, is the date for the upcoming game.
Season Trajectory
By maintaining the Cotton Bowl as the permanent home for this rivalry, the schools have avoided the trend of moving marquee games to newer professional arenas like the site of the 2018 Big 12 Championship. This keeps the competitive balance grounded in the historic atmosphere unique to the State Fair grounds.
Fans attending the game will experience the newly renovated stadium facilities for the first time. The strict 50-yard line seating division remains the defining logistical feature for spectators in the stands.
The takeaway
The sustained commitment to the Cotton Bowl ensures that this rivalry preserves its traditional atmosphere despite modern stadium upgrades. Fans should plan for a renovated venue experience compared to previous iterations of the game.
What happens next
The game is scheduled to take place on October 10, 2026, at the Cotton Bowl stadium.
Further reading
For more on the latest developments in the sport, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by On3.
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