NORMAN - As Texas ' offense limped through the first half of the 2025 season, Parker Livingstone was a safety net for the Longhorns.
A 6-3, 202-pound wide receiver, Livingstone was responsible for Texas' only touchdown in its 14-7 Week 1 loss to Ohio State . Livingstone caught multiple passes in each of the Longhorns' first six games and logged more than 100 receiving yards in wins over San Jose State and Arkansas . He finished 2025 - his second year of college football - with 516 yards and six touchdowns .
Livingstone's now at Oklahoma - and he believes he's a better version of the player who, at times, was a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
"I'm a different player than I was last year," Livingstone said. "I've gotten better."
Despite Livingstone's success in 2025, the Longhorns let him walk .
They opted to retain Ryan Wingo and Emmett Mosley Vwhile also adding Cam Coleman - the former Auburn star - from the transfer portal. Texas essentially told Livingstone and fellow standout DeAndre Moorethat they no longer had room for them as key contributors.
Because of that, Livingstone's now a Sooner. And once he arrived in Norman, Livingstone made it a priority to build meaningful relationships with those around him.
Specifically, OU wide receivers coach Emmett Joneswas integral in helping Livingstone adjust quickly.
"He's gonna yell at you, he's gonna be tough on you, but it's all coming from love," Livingstone said. "When we get into the room, he's coaching us hard. But sometimes he lightens up, talks about life. He's a great coach, and I'm excited to play for him."
Livingstone also believes that learning offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle's scheme has made him better.
The wide receiver and his offensive teammates spent the summer getting an even better understanding of OU's offense alongside Arbuckle. And in the midst of fall camp, Livingstone feels comfortable in the system.
"I just think repping it, going out there and doing it... we worked a lot on the plays," Livingstone said. "Arbuckle was here probably the entire summer, coaching us, following me and the receivers around, helping with the formations, motions, plays."
Of course, as a wideout, Livingstone is only valuable if he and his quarterback are on the same page.
Livingstone said that he and each of OU's four signal callers - John Mateer , Whitt Newbauer, Bowe Bentleyand Jett Niu- have developed strong rapport throughout his first offseason in Norman.
"They can sling it, they can run, they can make plays out of the pocket," Livingstone said. "Proud of how they've battled through adversity."
Livingstone has only been on campus for seven months, but he feels like he's been there for longer than that, thanks to the relationships he's built.
Livingstone is more confident in his abilities than he was leading up to 2025. And as a result, he can do what he does best: Go out and ball.
"When you're not thinking out there, you can play fast and be yourself, and the game comes to you easier," Livingstone said. "If you're thinking too much, it's slow, and you can't produce. That's the biggest thing for me."
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/oklahoma as How Oklahoma WR Parker Livingstone Became a 'Different Player' Than he was at Texas .
