Texas · SECParker Livingstone faces Texas after Longhorns let him go
The former Longhorn caught 29 passes for 516 yards and six touchdowns in 2025 before Texas’ roster plan sent him to Oklahoma.
OCT 9, 2026
Oklahoma total offense among FBS teams
Livingstone receptions for Texas in 2025
Livingstone receiving yards for Texas in 2025
01 · The NewsParker Livingstone Returns to Texas' Rivalry
When Texas visits Oklahoma on Saturday, Oct. 10, former Longhorn receiver Parker Livingstone will line up against the program that pushed him into the transfer portal — a roster decision now set to test Texas’ playoff path in the Red River Rivalry.
Livingstone did not leave after disappearing from Texas’ offense. He ranked third on the team in 2025 with 29 catches and 516 receiving yards, scored six touchdowns and shared a room with quarterback Arch Manning.
Texas is 4-0 and ranked No. 5 in Josh Pate’s preseason playoff bracket. Oklahoma is 2-2, and a road loss would damage the Longhorns’ margin for error while putting their decision to replace Livingstone with higher-profile additions under an immediate spotlight.
Sarkisian made his position clear at SEC Media Days in July.
“I hope we kick his ass,” Sarkisian said.
Manning acknowledged the personal wrinkle but kept the focus on Texas’ rivalry goal.
“It’s going to be different,” Manning said. “Obviously we were roommates, best friends. Now he’s at a different school. I’m not going to think anything of it. We’re going to try to go beat OU and win the game. I’ll say what’s up to him after.”
02 · The StakesWhy This One Matters
Texas and Oklahoma both finished 10-3 with 6-2 conference records in 2025. Their 2026 starts have split sharply: Texas has beaten Texas State, Ohio State, UTSA and Tennessee, while Oklahoma has lost to Michigan and Georgia. The Sooners rank 120th among 138 FBS teams in total offense. They scored 51 points against UTEP, then managed 10 at Michigan, 14 against New Mexico and 13 at Georgia. Livingstone has not matched his Texas production so far, and his 2026 statistics, starting status and expected snap count were not provided. That makes his actual role more important than the revenge storyline. Oklahoma needs production from an offense that has struggled against its strongest opponents, while Texas must account for a receiver Manning knows well without letting the reunion become the game.
03 · The Detail Beneath the HeadlineWhat Most People Are Missing
Livingstone’s move began with Texas’ roster plan. Steve Sarkisian said the Longhorns let Livingstone and other players go to create roster space and money for additions including Cam Coleman, Hollywood Smothers, Raleek Brown and Mike Masunas.
“This wasn’t like we kept acquiring. … We had to let some pretty good players leave to create the cap space to bring those guys in,” Sarkisian said.
Sarkisian also named former starting receiver DeAndre Moore Jr., former starting running back Tre Wisner and CJ Baxter among the players Texas let go. The financial amounts and specific roster arrangements were not disclosed.
Livingstone, who grew up in the Dallas area wanting to play for Texas, described the separation during his first Oklahoma media appearance in March.
“If I didn’t have an agent, I would probably still be in Austin right now. That’s the truth,” Livingstone said.
He chose Oklahoma over Indiana in part because he wanted to remain close to home. Oklahoma became the landing spot for a receiver who had already produced for Texas — and now must find a role in an offense ranked near the bottom of the country.
“I hope we kick his ass”
Steve Sarkisian04 · The PersonnelNext Man Up
Texas’ choice was broader than replacing one receiver. The Longhorns moved established players off the roster while adding talent around Manning, including Coleman. Texas has scored 59 and 30 points in wins over Texas State and UTSA but needed one-score wins against Ohio State and Tennessee. That leaves the immediate test in plain view: Texas chose the new group around Manning, while Oklahoma acquired a receiver who already had a productive season for the Longhorns. Livingstone’s usage and Coleman’s involvement will put the two sides of that decision on the same field.
05 · The ChessboardWhat the Coaches Can Actually Change
Watch whether Livingstone starts and how often Oklahoma targets him. Those numbers will show his place in the Sooners’ offense more clearly than the reunion storyline. Then compare his opportunities with Coleman’s involvement for Texas, especially on third down and near the goal line. Oklahoma’s scoring output against Texas will show whether its offense can move beyond the 10, 14 and 13 points it produced against Michigan, New Mexico and Georgia. Texas and Oklahoma kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, Oct. 10.
06 · The ThesisThe Pate State Read
The revenge angle is bigger than the available football case. Oklahoma’s offensive ranking and Livingstone’s lack of comparable production suggest he may not control the game, but Texas accepted the risk that a productive receiver could land with a rival. The matchup cannot settle every roster decision Texas made. It can expose the immediate cost if Livingstone finds a meaningful role against his former team — or reinforce Oklahoma’s larger problem if its offense cannot get him involved. Sarkisian has already separated the relationship from the rivalry: “After the game, I’m sure I’ll give him a big hug. Before that, we’re trying to beat his ass. That’s the way it goes.”
07 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
Does Livingstone start?
His starts and target count will show his place in Oklahoma’s offense more clearly than the reunion storyline.
Who gets the opportunities?
Compare Livingstone’s involvement with Cam Coleman’s, especially on third down and near the goal line. Oklahoma’s scoring output will show whether its offense can move beyond the 10, 14 and 13 points it produced against Michigan, New Mexico and Georgia.