Navigating New Frontiers: Steve Sarkisian’s Candid Reflections on Texas Football’s SEC Transition and the Evolving Collegiate Landscape

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian recently offered a comprehensive look into the state of his program and the broader college football world during the SEC Meetings. His insights, spanning from roster management and player development to the complexities of the expanded College Football Playoff and the ongoing NIL discussions, painted a picture of a program embracing significant change while maintaining a clear vision for success. Sarkisian, known for his direct and often insightful commentary, addressed several key areas, providing valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the Longhorns in their new conference home.

One of the most immediate and pressing topics Sarkisian tackled was the widespread discussion surrounding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and its impact on roster construction. He directly refuted a recent report suggesting the Longhorns were poised to spend between $35-$40 million on NIL compensation for the 2025 roster, labeling it as “irresponsible reporting.” Sarkisian wished such a figure were accurate, humorously implying it would result in an even better team. He acknowledged the reality of NIL in modern college football, stating that the idea of schools not spending money to attract players is simply not the state of the game. While fortunate to have strong support from the Texas One Fund and athletic director Chris Del Conte, Sarkisian implied that the actual cost for an elite FBS roster likely sits in the $25 million range, adding that another $15 million or so would certainly help improve the roster further. This candid assessment underscored the financial realities of competing at the highest level and the significant role NIL now plays in player acquisition and retention.

Sarkisian also delved into the evolving structure of the College Football Playoff, particularly with the expanded format. He expressed a profound belief that an undefeated national champion might become a rarity in the future, citing the grueling length of the season and the sheer difficulty of maintaining health and depth over so many games. He highlighted Texas’s own experiences with injuries, noting that losing starting quarterbacks or multiple offensive tackles can significantly impact a season’s trajectory. This perspective suggests a future where two-loss, three-loss, or even four-loss teams could realistically compete for a national championship, drawing parallels to the NCAA baseball tournament’s format where a perfect season is almost unheard of. His comments emphasize the importance of depth and resilience in the new playoff era, where attrition will undoubtedly be a major factor.

The discussion naturally shifted to the SEC itself and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents for a newcomer like Texas. Sarkisian acknowledged the SEC’s dominance in producing NFL talent, citing the conference’s 18 consecutive years of leading the NFL Draft in picks and the record-breaking 79 players drafted this year. He emphasized the intense week-to-week competition within the conference, expressing concern that the sheer quality of opponents could, paradoxically, penalize SEC teams in the playoff picture if they are not careful. He stressed the need for the “powers that be” to ensure enough opportunities exist for SEC teams to compete for national championships, especially in light of the conference not having a team in the national championship game for the past two years. This suggests a desire for a playoff format that truly rewards strength of schedule and conference performance, not just an undefeated record.

The ever-present topic of the transfer portal also featured prominently in Sarkisian’s remarks. He advocated for consolidating the transfer portal window, specifically pushing for it to occur after the College Football Playoff concludes. He vividly described the “brutal” experience of having multiple players enter the portal during playoff runs, creating significant logistical and roster management headaches. While he desires a post-playoff window, he admitted uncertainty about the ideal timing for a spring portal window, recognizing the need to balance roster building with player development. This nuanced view reflects the ongoing struggle for coaches to adapt to the fluid nature of roster construction in the NIL and transfer portal era.

Furthermore, Sarkisian addressed the perception of Texas being a “young” football team heading into 2025, largely due to their significant NFL Draft presence over the past two years. He clarified that while there will be “new faces,” the team isn’t necessarily “young” in terms of collegiate experience. Many of the projected starters are third or fourth-year players who have been developing within the program, patiently awaiting their opportunity. He emphasized that the program hasn’t relied on the portal to build its roster from scratch but rather to fill specific needs where recruiting might not have been as strong. This approach highlights a commitment to internal player development while strategically utilizing the transfer portal to address immediate gaps, fostering a sense of continuity and trust in the players who have been diligently working their way up the depth chart. He acknowledged that living through some “growing pains” might be necessary due to this shift in personnel, but expressed confidence in the talent within the program.

Finally, Sarkisian weighed in on the prospect of a nine-game SEC conference schedule, expressing his support for it. He particularly favored it for Texas this year, as one of their home games is played in Dallas (the Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma), which leaves them with only three true home conference games. An additional home SEC game, he argued, would be a “great thing” for the fans. However, he also recognized the potential downside: an extra conference game means an additional loss for half the league, and coaches are naturally wary of anything that could negatively impact their playoff chances. This pragmatic view underscores the delicate balance between fan experience, competitive fairness, and playoff implications that conference administrators must navigate.

In sum, Steve Sarkisian’s comments at the SEC Meetings offered a transparent and insightful look into the current state of Texas Longhorns football and the broader collegiate landscape. His emphasis on adapting to NIL realities, navigating the expanded playoff, and strategically managing the transfer portal while prioritizing internal development paints a clear picture of a program striving for sustained success in a rapidly evolving environment. His directness and thoughtful consideration of these complex issues reinforced his position as a prominent voice in college football as the sport continues its dramatic transformation.