As the college football season enters its pivotal final weeks, one of the Southeastern Conference’s (SEC) renewed border rivalries takes center stage. On Saturday, November 22, 2025, the No. 17 Texas Longhorns (7-3) will welcome the Arkansas Razorbacks (2-8) to DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. This matchup, steeped in over a century of history, is far more than a simple conference game; it is a battle for pride, a measuring stick for a program finding its footing, and a crucial step for a Longhorns team clinging to hopes of a marquee bowl bid in their second season in the SEC.

Game Day Logistics: How to Watch

For fans eager to witness the renewal of this classic Southwest Conference (SWC) rivalry, here is all the essential viewing information:

• Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025

• Kickoff Time: 12:30 p.m. CT / 1:30 p.m. ET (Note: Some sources indicate 2:30 p.m. CT/3:30 p.m. ET. Fans should check local listings for the most accurate kickoff time.)

• Location: DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, Texas

• TV Channel (US): ABC (The game is slated for a national television broadcast, ensuring widespread availability).

• Streaming Options:

  • The game will be available for streaming via the ESPN app for subscribers who have the ABC network included in their cable or satellite package.

  • Popular live TV streaming services that carry ABC, such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV (with the appropriate package), will also be viable options for cord-cutters.

    

The Rivalry: A Century of History

The Texas-Arkansas rivalry, which dates back to 1894, is one of the most storied in the history of college football. Though the Longhorns hold a commanding 57-23 all-time series lead, the clashes between these two programs often transcend their records.

• SWC Roots: The rivalry flourished during their time in the SWC, producing legendary games that often decided the conference championship.

• The “Game of the Century”: The 1969 matchup, famously dubbed “The Game of the Century” or “The Big Shootout,” saw No. 1 Texas edge No. 2 Arkansas 15-14 with President Richard Nixon in attendance—a victory that clinched the national title for the Longhorns.

• SEC Renewal: After a hiatus following Arkansas’s move to the SEC in 1991, the rivalry has been permanently renewed since Texas joined the SEC in 2024. The teams split their recent meetings in 2021 (Arkansas win) and the 2024 SEC debut (Texas win).

This game is a microcosm of the intense regional and conference pride that now defines the SEC landscape.

Key Storylines and Matchups

1. Texas’s Defensive Dominance vs. Arkansas’s Explosive Offense

The Longhorns’ defense has been the backbone of their 2025 campaign, ranking 15th nationally in scoring defense (18.3 points allowed per game) and a formidable 6th in rush defense (83.2 yards allowed per game). Defensive star Colin Simmons, who leads the team with nine sacks, will be key to disrupting the Razorbacks’ rhythm.

However, the 2-8 Razorbacks are statistically one of the nation’s best “bad teams,” boasting the 27th-ranked scoring offense (34.1 points per game). Quarterback Taylen Green (2,537 passing yards) and receiver O’Mega Blake (678 receiving yards) lead a high-flying passing attack that ranks 33rd in the FBS (264.6 passing yards per game). This creates a fascinating contrast: Can the Razorbacks’ firepower overcome one of the country’s elite run defenses and exploit a slightly less stout Texas pass defense (94th in the FBS in passing yards allowed)?

2. Arch Manning and the Longhorn Offense

This season marks the beginning of the Arch Manning era at Texas, and the talented quarterback (2,374 passing yards, 19 TDs) is still navigating the rigors of a full SEC schedule. The Longhorns’ offense has been inconsistent at times, which has limited their College Football Playoff aspirations. The unit faces significant challenges, particularly on the offensive line, which lost four starters to the NFL.

For Texas to win convincingly, they will need a productive day from their young receiving corps, led by sophomore Ryan Wingo (655 receiving yards), and a revitalized rushing attack. If they can establish a comfortable early lead, they will neutralize the danger of a late-game shootout against a high-scoring Arkansas team.

3. Arkansas’s Quest for a Signature Win

At 2-8, bowl eligibility is off the table for Arkansas. However, in the unforgiving landscape of the SEC, a rivalry win—especially one on the road against a ranked opponent like Texas—is invaluable for morale and program momentum. The Razorbacks have been competitive in several losses and will see this game as their opportunity to play spoiler. A victory in Austin would provide a massive boost for recruiting and serve as a statement about the direction of the program.

What’s at Stake

For No. 17 Texas (7-3)

The stakes are clear for the Longhorns:

• New Year’s Six Consideration: With three losses, the College Football Playoff is a long shot, but an 11-win season capped by a significant bowl win remains a high-value goal. A loss here would all but eliminate their chances for a prestigious New Year’s Six bowl bid.

• Rivalry Dominance: Texas must maintain the narrative that they are the superior program in the renewed SEC rivalry. A home loss to a struggling Arkansas squad would be a catastrophic blow to program morale and the team’s perceived progress in the conference.

• Momentum for the Finale: This game provides a crucial opportunity to build momentum before their highly anticipated season-ending rivalry clash against Texas A&M.

For Arkansas (2-8)

For the Razorbacks, the goal is simpler but equally profound:

• Program Pride: In a difficult season, a win against a perennial power and arch-rival is the ultimate shot of adrenaline for the program and the fanbase.

• Statement Victory: A road victory against a ranked Texas team would be a huge statement about their ability to compete in the SEC, regardless of their final record.

Prediction and Outlook

The oddsmakers have installed the No. 17 Longhorns as a solid favorite (-9.5 points), with the over/under set around 57.5 points. The consensus prediction leans toward Texas securing the victory, capitalizing on their superior defensive unit and home-field advantage. The implied score of Texas 33, Arkansas 24 suggests a competitive contest that the Longhorns pull away from late.

The game is expected to be a classic SEC slugfest, a throwback to the intensity of the old SWC. While Arkansas has the offensive capability to keep pace, the Longhorns’ top-tier run defense is likely to be the difference-maker, forcing Green into uncomfortable third-and-long situations. Expect Texas to lean on their defense and make enough plays on offense, likely pulling ahead in the second half for a hard-fought victory.

The 2025 clash between the Longhorns and the Razorbacks is an essential watch for any college football fan.