Non-Texan UT Players Learn the Intensity of Red River Rivalry Firsthand

Gunnar Helm, a senior tight end at the University of Texas, hails from Colorado and wasn't initially familiar with the intense rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma known as the Red River Rivalry. "I'm going to be honest with you, I didn't know a whole lot about (the Red River Rivalry). My whole football domain was the Rocky Mountain Showdown," Helm admitted.

Helm and Barryn Sorrell, a senior edge rusher from New Orleans, were two non-Texans who spoke at UT's media availability on Monday. Sorrell, having grown up with the LSU-Alabama rivalry, had more awareness of the Red River Rivalry. "Obviously it's a really big rivalry, a really big game and there's a lot of history behind it. Growing up, I did hear a lot about it," Sorrell said.

Both players have participated in three Oklahoma-Texas showdowns since joining the team in 2021, gaining firsthand experience of the rivalry's intensity. Helm caught his first career touchdown pass during last year's game at the Cotton Bowl, while Sorrell tackled five Sooners in the same match.

Their experiences highlight how even players not native to Texas quickly learn the significance of the Red River Rivalry once they join the Longhorns.