Arch Manning wishes former Texas teammate well, 'except when we play them'

The Texas quarterback reacts to Parker Livingstone's surprise transfer to rival Oklahoma Sooners.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 5:40pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic energy of a college football rivalry game, with the players' uniforms and equipment reduced to abstract shapes and colors.The annual Texas-Oklahoma rivalry game takes on new intensity as a former Longhorns player now suits up for the Sooners, adding an extra layer of drama to this classic college football matchup.Austin Today

Texas quarterback Arch Manning has reacted to his former Texas teammate and roommate Parker Livingstone's decision to transfer to rival Oklahoma Sooners. While Manning wishes Livingstone well, he made it clear he doesn't want Livingstone to succeed when the two teams face off in the annual Red River Shootout rivalry game.

Why it matters

The transfer of a key offensive weapon from Texas to Oklahoma adds intrigue to one of college football's biggest rivalries. As the Longhorns and Sooners battle for in-state recruiting supremacy, Livingstone's move will be closely watched, especially since he and Manning had a close relationship during their time together in Austin.

The details

Livingstone spent the last two seasons with the Texas Longhorns, where he was roommates and had a quarterback-receiver connection with Arch Manning. However, Livingstone has now decided to transfer to the Oklahoma Sooners, a move that surprised many. In his first public comments on the transfer, Manning said he was 'a little surprised' but wishes Livingstone 'all the best, except when we play them.'

  • Livingstone will suit up for the Oklahoma Sooners during the 2026 season.
  • The Texas-Oklahoma rivalry game, known as the Red River Shootout, is scheduled for October 10th this year.

The players

Arch Manning

The starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, who was roommates and had a close relationship with the recently transferred Parker Livingstone.

Parker Livingstone

A former wide receiver for the Texas Longhorns who has decided to transfer to the rival Oklahoma Sooners for the 2026 season.

Brent Venables

The head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, who is looking to improve the team's offensive production in the Red River Shootout rivalry game.

John Mateer

The offensive coordinator for the Oklahoma Sooners, who will be working with the newly transferred Parker Livingstone.

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What they’re saying

“I was a little surprised, but Parker's a good guy. He's got a good family. Obviously, we were roommates, I so wish him all the best. Can't say I would have done the same thing, but wish him all the best, expect when we play them.”

— Arch Manning, Texas Quarterback

“Now being in an OU jersey, I want to go out there and beat the crap out of Texas. I want to win every game. That game is going to be a lot of fun. I'm a competitor, so I want to win.”

— Parker Livingstone

What’s next

The Texas-Oklahoma rivalry game on October 10th will be a highly anticipated matchup, with Livingstone's transfer adding extra intrigue. The Sooners will be looking to end their touchdown drought against the Longhorns, while Texas will aim to continue their recent success in the series.

The takeaway

This transfer highlights the intense rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma, as well as the importance of in-state recruiting battles. While Manning wishes his former teammate well, the annual Red River Shootout will be an emotional game for all involved as Livingstone looks to help the Sooners defeat his former team.