The familiar border war between the Texas Longhorns and the Arkansas Razorbacks is set to write a new chapter this Saturday, November 22, 2025, as they clash at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. This highly anticipated matchup carries significant weight, not just for bragging rights, but for the trajectory of both programs within the demanding Southeastern Conference.
For the No. 17 Texas Longhorns (7-3), this game represents a crucial opportunity to regain momentum and bolster their standing as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season. Despite a respectable record, Texas’s College Football Playoff aspirations have been tempered by recent stumbles, including a significant 35-10 loss to Georgia in their last outing. However, the Longhorns boast a potent defense, ranking sixth nationally against the run, and are anchored by the promising leadership of quarterback Arch Manning. Their home record stands strong at 4-0, highlighting a significant advantage they aim to leverage against their SEC rivals.
The Arkansas Razorbacks (2-8) enter the contest with a starkly different narrative. Sitting at the bottom of the SEC standings with an 0-6 conference record, the Razorbacks have faced a challenging season. Despite the win-loss column, interim coach Bobby Petrino has instilled a competitive spirit, with the team often keeping games close, and having a remarkable 12-4 record against the spread in their last 16 road games since 2022. Quarterback Taylen Green leads a No. 19 rushing attack, which will look to test Texas’s formidable defensive front. While recent news indicates numerous players are out due to injury, the Razorbacks have shown they can be a resilient opponent, recently losing by a single point to LSU. Their ability to play spoiler remains a significant factor.
A Rivalry Forged in History
The Texas-Arkansas football rivalry, with roots tracing back to 1894, is one of the most storied in college football. For decades, the two programs shared a bitter rivalry as members of the old Southwest Conference. Legendary matchups, including the 1964 upset of No. 1 Texas by Arkansas and the 1969 “Game of the Century” where Texas triumphed over No. 2 Arkansas, are etched in college football lore. Though the rivalry took a hiatus from regular scheduling after Arkansas’s move to the SEC in 1991 and Texas’s subsequent move to the Big 12, the teams have met sporadically. With Texas now firmly entrenched in the SEC, this game marks their first official conference meeting as permanent SEC rivals, reigniting a passion that many Arkansas fans have kept alive for decades.
Statistical Showdown and Betting Buzz
On paper, Texas holds the edge, particularly in defensive efficiency, allowing a stingy 18.3 points per game. Offensively, the Longhorns have averaged 27.6 points per contest, while Arkansas has shown more offensive firepower, scoring 34.1 points per game, though their defense has struggled, conceding 32.3 points per game. The betting lines reflect Texas’s favored status, with the Longhorns being 8.5 to 9.5-point favorites. However, betting trends suggest caution: Texas has struggled to cover the spread this season, while Arkansas has shown value as an underdog on the road. The over/under is set around 57.5 to 58.5 points, indicating an expectation of a moderately scoring game, but both teams have seen their recent games go over the total at varying rates.
SEC Implications and Bowl Aspirations
For the Longhorns, this game is more than just a rivalry contest; it’s a critical step towards securing a strong finish and a favorable bowl game. With an 7-3 record and a 4-2 mark in SEC play, Texas cannot reach the SEC Championship game, but a win would keep their slim College Football Playoff hopes alive and significantly boost their postseason standing. For Arkansas, a win would be a monumental upset, offering a much-needed morale boost and a chance to end their season on a high note, potentially influencing future program buzz heading into next season.
Prediction
While Arkansas has proven capable of keeping games close and possesses a dangerous running game, Texas’s overall talent, defensive prowess, and home-field advantage are formidable. The Longhorns are expected to win, but Arkansas’s history of covering the spread on the road suggests this matchup might be more competitive than the spread indicates. Expect Texas to eventually pull away, leveraging Arch Manning’s growing command of the offense and their superior defensive metrics.
Texas is predicted to win, 34-22, in a game that will feature moments of tension but ultimately see the home team secure the victory.
