Steve Sarkisian Enters Defining Texas Season With Championship Expectations at an All-Time High

The media attention surrounding Texas football has significantly decreased compared to last season, with much of the spotlight at SEC Media Days shifting to Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin. Known for his outspoken personality, Kiffin dominated headlines after jokingly telling reporters, “We’re all going to die,” drawing attention away from Texas, Steve Sarkisian, and quarterback Arch Manning.

This change may actually benefit the Longhorns, as it allows them to prepare for the season with fewer distractions after enduring constant scrutiny in 2025 over everything from Manning’s eyeglasses to exaggerated criticism of the team’s performances.

Texas’ Stacked Roster Brings Rising Expectations and Greater Pressure on Steve Sarkisian This Season

Despite the reduced media focus, expectations for Texas remain as high as ever because of its exceptionally talented roster. Defensive end Colin Simmons confidently described the team as “stacked,” reflecting the belief that the Longhorns possess one of the strongest collections of talent in college football.

Steve Sarkisian Enters Defining Texas Season With Championship Expectations at an All-Time High

However, last season proved that talent alone does not guarantee success. Texas finished with a respectable but ultimately disappointing 10–3 record, suffering convincing losses to Florida and Georgia while also struggling against less formidable opponents such as Mississippi State and Kentucky. These inconsistent performances highlighted the gap between the team’s potential and its actual results.

The article argues that Steve Sarkisian deserves just as much pressure as other prominent SEC coaches, including Lane Kiffin and Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer. While DeBoer has faced criticism despite leading Alabama to the SEC Championship Game and a College Football Playoff victory, Sarkisian has largely escaped similar levels of scrutiny after Texas missed the playoff. Instead, Sarkisian publicly suggested that the selection committee was responsible for the Longhorns’ exclusion, despite the team’s inconsistent performances throughout the season.

Sarkisian Enters Crucial Sixth Season With Championship Expectations Growing Stronger Than Ever at Texas

Even so, the author emphasizes that Sarkisian is far from being on the hot seat. He is credited with transforming Texas from years of mediocrity into a legitimate national contender, guiding the program to two College Football Playoff semifinal appearances. As a result, last season is viewed more as a temporary setback than evidence of long-term decline. Sarkisian himself acknowledged the high standards within the program, stating that expectations inside the Texas locker room are even greater than those placed on the team by outsiders.

Entering his sixth season, Sarkisian finds himself in a position similar to other successful coaches who eventually delivered national championships after several years of building their programs. The article notes that coaches like Kirby Smart and Ryan Day also needed six seasons before winning their first national titles, suggesting that Sarkisian remains on schedule. However, with another highly talented roster and strong financial support behind the program, expectations have now reached a point where simply competing is no longer enough.

While it may not officially be a “championship-or-bust” season, another campaign ending well before the national championship game would likely be viewed as an underachievement. Ultimately, although the national conversation may currently revolve around Lane Kiffin rather than Texas, the Longhorns still carry enormous internal and external expectations. Their success this season will depend not on media attention but on whether they can finally translate their elite talent into championship success.