For more than a century, Oklahoma and Texas have battled across sports lines in one of college athletics’ most storied rivalries. But this weekend at L. Dale Mitchell Park, the stakes are higher, the conference badge is different, and the SEC gets its first dose of Red River Rivalry baseball.
Oklahoma (32-17, 13-14 SEC) welcomes No. 3 Texas (40-10, 20-7) to Norman for a Thursday-Saturday series that will not only determine final seeding for next week’s SEC Tournament but could also shape the postseason trajectory for both clubs. With over 200 meetings between the two programs, this weekend marks their first clash as SEC rivals — and the last regular-season games of the year.
A Rivalry Reimagined
Texas leads the all-time series, and since 1997, the Longhorns have maintained a dominant 49-23 advantage in Big 12 play. But Saturday marks the start of a new chapter. With both schools now SEC members, this series isn’t just about bragging rights — it’s about positioning, momentum, and statement-making baseball in the sport’s deepest league.
For the Sooners, it’s also a shot at redemption. Last season, OU dropped two of three against the Horns in the final Big 12 series between the teams. Now, head coach Skip Johnson’s club has a chance to close the regular season on a high note, solidify its postseason case, and derail Texas’ pursuit of the SEC crown.
The Broadcast Booth and the Big Stage
Fans can tune in live via SECN+ and catch radio coverage statewide on 99.3 FM/1400 AM The REF or nationwide through The Varsity app. The broadcast crew includes familiar voices: Toby Rowland, Chad McKee, Rich Hills, Kendall Pettis, Josh Helmer, and Carly Murray — all bringing their flavor to one of the most anticipated series of the season.
First pitches are set for 6:30 p.m. CT on Thursday and Friday, and 2:00 p.m. CT on Saturday.
Sooners in the Spotlight
Despite falling out of the D1 Baseball Top 25 for the first time since February, Oklahoma remains a formidable squad. The Sooners are still ranked in the NCBWA (No. 16) and Perfect Game (No. 23) polls and enter the series at No. 26 in both RPI and strength of schedule.
Oklahoma has eight ranked wins under its belt this season and five series victories in SEC play. Three of the Sooners’ four SEC series losses came on the road and against top-15 opponents — a testament to the competitiveness of the league and the grit of this ballclub.
Leading the charge on the mound is junior right-hander Kyson Witherspoon, a 2025 Preseason All-SEC selection who has delivered in nearly every outing this year. Witherspoon enters Thursday night’s opener boasting a 9-3 record, 2.45 ERA, and 104 strikeouts. His pinpoint control (19 walks all season) and competitive fire have made him a constant tone-setter for Oklahoma’s rotation.
His nine wins are tied for first in the SEC and fifth nationally, while his WHIP (0.94) and ERA both rank among the nation’s top 25. Witherspoon has recorded double-digit strikeouts in four starts and held opponents to three earned runs or fewer in 11 of his 13 starts.
The remainder of OU’s rotation will see LHP Cade Crossland (4-4, 6.62 ERA) go Friday, followed by RHP Malachi Witherspoon (3-7, 5.66 ERA) on Saturday. Texas has yet to announce its starting pitchers for the weekend.
Offense with an Edge
At the plate, Oklahoma continues to find production across the lineup. Four starters are batting above .300, including junior catcher Easton Carmichael (.318), freshman phenom Kyle Branch (.315), junior Trey Gambill (.303), and sophomore shortstop Jaxon Willits (.301).
Carmichael leads the team with 13 home runs, while Willits has added nine. OU has hit 56 homers on the year, including at least one in 32 of 49 games, and has launched multiple long balls in 16 contests. The offense has scored 339 runs — nearly 100 more than it has allowed.
OU also leads the SEC in triples with 17, showcasing its ability to pressure defenses with speed and aggressiveness. That versatility has made Oklahoma one of the league’s most difficult lineups to pitch to.
Walks have also fueled the Sooners’ offense. Oklahoma averages 5.4 free passes per game and ranks first in SEC play with 145 walks drawn. When OU draws five or more walks in a game, it’s 25-7 — a number that will loom large against a Texas pitching staff known for its precision.
Gambill and Sam Christiansen have combined for 86 walks, each ranking top-five in the SEC in both total walks and walks per game. That patience has translated into on-base percentage: Willits (.455) and Gambill (.436) both rank among the SEC’s best in OBP during league play.
Senior Salute on Saturday
Saturday will be a special day for five Oklahoma seniors: Dylan Crooks, Reid Hensley, James Hitt, Scott Mudler, and Grant Stevens. All five transferred to OU and helped deliver three winning seasons, including last year’s Big 12 regular season title and the program’s first NCAA Regional host since 2010.
A pregame flyover and Senior Day ceremony will commemorate their contributions, with fans encouraged to arrive early and show their appreciation.
Fan-Focused Festivities
The atmosphere at “The Dale” should be electric. Thursday features a Happy Hour special — $4 16oz beers from gate open to first pitch. Friday is a “Crimson Out,” with fans encouraged to fill the stands in Sooner red. Shaker giveaways will be distributed in the reserved sections.
Saturday’s celebration promises pageantry and emotion, setting the stage for what could be a pivotal win in Oklahoma’s postseason push.
Postseason Picture and What’s Next
Regardless of the series outcome, Oklahoma is headed to Hoover, Alabama next week for the program’s first appearance in the SEC Tournament. The bracket will be finalized after this weekend’s slate of games concludes across the league.
A series win over No. 3 Texas would provide a massive RPI boost and potentially reinsert OU into the hosting conversation for an NCAA Regional — or at minimum solidify its status in the field of 64. The Sooners enter the weekend 8-10 against ranked opponents in 2025, with several close losses suggesting they’re more dangerous than their record might indicate.
Final Word
There’s always pride on the line in the Red River Rivalry. But this weekend, there’s also postseason seeding, national relevance, and program momentum in play.
L. Dale Mitchell Park is ready. The Sooners are battle-tested. And Texas — one of the nation’s elite — arrives with a target on its back.
Let the SEC edition of Red River baseball begin!
Follow us on X: @SportsHeartland & Instagram