Sarkisian on ex-Longhorn Livingstone joining OU: 'I hope we kick his ass'

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian did not hold back when asked about former Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone at SEC Media Days, delivering blunt remarks about the upcoming Red River Rivalry matchup after Livingstone departed Austin via the transfer portal and joined Oklahoma in the winter window.

I hope we kick his ass. It's the Red River Rivalry, you know what I mean? He chose to go there. He's on the other side. It's the way the game goes. If you've ever been, it's a hell of a game. It's epic.

— Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian

Sarkisian also indicated that any hard feelings would be set aside once the game concluded. "At the end of the day, it's competition," he said. "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."

Livingstone's Role in Oklahoma's Offense

Livingstone, a redshirt sophomore, is expected to be a significant contributor in Oklahoma's offensive rebuild under coordinator Ben Arbuckle. His 6-foot-4 frame and ability to threaten defenses down the field project as a natural fit alongside quarterback John Mateer. The Sooners are counting on Livingstone to help the unit improve in 2026.

In his final season with the Longhorns in 2025, Livingstone caught 29 passes for 516 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 17.8 yards per reception. He also threw a touchdown pass to quarterback Arch Manning, displaying a versatility that made him a fan favorite in Austin before his departure.

The 2026 Red River Showdown is scheduled for the second Saturday of October at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Livingstone is slated to start at an outside wide receiver position for Oklahoma, setting up a direct storyline between him and his former head coach when the two programs meet.