Steve Sarkisian Draws Comparison Between Texas Longhorns’ Season Opener and Iconic Auburn Football Game to Set the Tone
As the Texas Longhorns gear up for one of the most anticipated seasons in recent program history, head coach Steve Sarkisian is already shaping the narrative with a comparison that has sparked intrigue throughout college football. Speaking with media ahead of the Longhorns’ season opener, Sarkisian made waves by comparing the upcoming game to a classic Auburn football moment—one that symbolized grit, resilience, and a program on the cusp of transformation. The reference wasn’t made lightly. For Sarkisian, this season and its first game mean more than just a fresh start—they represent an opportunity to define the new era of Texas football.
The Longhorns are entering 2025 riding the momentum of a strong showing in the College Football Playoff the previous year, falling just short of a national championship berth. Now in his fourth year at the helm, Sarkisian is no longer building—he’s expected to deliver. Expectations have reached a fever pitch in Austin, and the season opener stands as both a statement and a test. That’s precisely why Sarkisian drew parallels to the legendary 2013 Auburn team, specifically referencing the famous “Kick Six” game against Alabama.
The comparison was not about recreating a miraculous finish, but about the gravity of a moment that galvanizes a program and electrifies a fan base. Sarkisian wants his team to embrace that level of intensity and purpose from the very first snap. In his mind, the opener is not just another game—it’s a chance to demonstrate that Texas is ready to meet championship expectations head-on. It’s about setting a tone, capturing momentum, and playing with a sense of destiny.
The 2013 Auburn Tigers began their season with questions and uncertainty. A new coach, Gus Malzahn, had returned to lead a team that had finished winless in the SEC the year before. Yet that squad went on a magical run, culminating in the unforgettable victory over Alabama, when Chris Davis returned a missed field goal 109 yards for a touchdown as time expired. That game didn’t just stun the Crimson Tide—it announced Auburn as a national contender. That’s the type of symbolic weight Sarkisian sees in Texas’ opener.
Of course, the circumstances in Austin are different. Texas is no longer viewed as an underdog or a rebuilding project. The Longhorns are a legitimate powerhouse, stacked with talent and poised to compete for the national title. But that brings its own challenges—namely, the burden of expectation. Sarkisian knows that his team can’t afford to stumble out of the gate. He also knows that the best teams seize the moment before it’s handed to them. They dictate the narrative. They dominate from the outset. That’s what he’s preaching to his players.
Texas returns a loaded roster, including standout quarterback Arch Manning, who is expected to make his highly anticipated debut as the full-time starter. Manning, one of the most heralded recruits in college football history, has had time to learn the system and mature under Sarkisian’s guidance. Now, the spotlight will be firmly on him to lead this team not just with his arm, but with his poise and presence. The comparisons to Peyton and Eli Manning are inevitable, but Arch is being asked to carve his own legacy in burnt orange.
Supporting him is a deep and versatile offense, featuring explosive playmakers at receiver, a strong offensive line, and a running game that can control the clock and wear down defenses. The defense, under the continued leadership of Pete Kwiatkowski, has also taken strides, becoming more physical and disciplined. With returning veterans and new transfers filling key roles, the Longhorns have the personnel to challenge any team in the nation.
But even with all the talent, Sarkisian is keenly aware that games are not won on paper. Culture, chemistry, and conviction matter just as much. That’s where the Auburn reference comes in. The 2013 Tigers weren’t the most talented team in the country, but they believed in themselves and played like a team on a mission. Sarkisian wants that same fire from his players. He wants them to understand that the journey to a championship starts with one moment—and that moment could be the season opener.
There’s also the psychological edge of framing the opener in such historic terms. By invoking a legendary game, Sarkisian is challenging his team to rise to the occasion, to understand the weight of what’s at stake. It’s a masterstroke of motivation. He isn’t just preparing them physically; he’s preparing them mentally to compete like champions. The message is clear: this is not business as usual. This is the beginning of something potentially historic.
The season opener, which will be played in a primetime slot and broadcast nationally, offers the perfect stage. The opponent, while not a traditional powerhouse, is expected to provide a tough test—physical, disciplined, and eager to play spoiler. Sarkisian has warned against underestimating them, emphasizing that upsets happen when focus slips. The Longhorns must play with urgency, execution, and the swagger that comes from knowing they belong among the elite.
Texas’ transition into the SEC adds another layer to the pressure. While they are technically still wrapping up their Big 12 commitments, all eyes are already on how they’ll fare against the best in the SEC. Every game is a proving ground. Sarkisian has likened the move to climbing a higher mountain—it requires more precision, more endurance, and a mindset that embraces challenges rather than avoids them. The opener will serve as a measuring stick, not just for talent but for mentality.
In Sarkisian’s tenure, the culture at Texas has slowly shifted from hopeful to confident. He’s brought in not just athletes, but competitors—players who thrive under pressure and relish the chance to be great. His recruiting success, particularly with five-star talents, has raised the team’s ceiling. But now, it’s about translating potential into production. That starts in Game One. There’s no easing into the season. There’s only full throttle.
The Longhorns’ preparation has reflected that urgency. Practices have been intense and structured, with a heavy emphasis on situational football and mental discipline. Sarkisian has been hands-on with the quarterbacks, stressing decision-making and tempo. The defense has been challenged to create turnovers and dominate the line of scrimmage. Special teams, often overlooked, have been given renewed attention. Everyone understands the stakes.
Sarkisian also understands the stakes for himself. His reputation as a top offensive mind is well-established, but now he’s aiming to cement his place among the elite head coaches in college football. A strong start, capped by a commanding win in the opener, would help build confidence and set the foundation for a championship run. Anything less could invite scrutiny and doubt.
There’s a broader message at play as well. By connecting this year’s opener to a storied moment in college football history, Sarkisian is reminding his players—and fans—that the game is about more than Xs and Os. It’s about moments. Legacy. Emotion. He wants this team to create its own iconic moment, one that fans will remember not for drama alone, but for its significance in the rise of a champion.
In the days leading up to the opener, the team has embraced that vision. Leaders have emerged, players have locked in, and the energy around the program is electric. The players know what’s being asked of them. They know the expectations, the pressure, and the opportunity. They know this isn’t just another season. It’s a potential turning point, a moment that could be replayed in highlight reels and documentaries if they deliver.
Whether or not the game mirrors Auburn’s classic in its drama or outcome, the point has been made. Texas football is aiming high. Sarkisian is not interested in incremental progress—he’s chasing greatness. The opener is just the first step, but it’s a step that matters immensely. It’s a chance to validate the hype, silence the critics, and ignite a season with national title aspirations.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, one thing is certain: Steve Sarkisian has set the stage. He’s challenged his team to be ready, to be bold, and to embrace the pressure. Just like Auburn in 2013, Texas has a chance to define its season in a single night. Now, it’s up to the Longhorns to seize it.
