Texas Longhorns Command Spotlight on Day Two of SEC Media Days as Sarkisian Sets Tone for New Era in Atlanta
The Texas Longhorns took center stage on Day Two of SEC Media Days in Atlanta, marking a historic and highly anticipated appearance as one of the conference’s newest full-time members. For a program steeped in tradition and expectations, the moment was more than just a press opportunity—it was a declaration that Texas isn’t merely entering the SEC to exist. The Longhorns are here to compete, contend, and change the narrative. Head coach Steve Sarkisian, joined by key players, delivered a confident message that reverberated well beyond the media rooms of the Omni Hotel and the walls of the College Football Hall of Fame.
For months, the SEC’s expansion storyline has been dominated by two names: Texas and Oklahoma. But as Texas took its turn at the podium, there was an unmistakable sense of ownership in the air. No longer was this transition being framed as something upcoming or hypothetical. It’s here. It’s real. And based on the tone set by Sarkisian and his players, Texas is fully embracing the weight and opportunity that comes with life in the Southeastern Conference.
Sarkisian was calm, measured, and resolute in his comments, carefully balancing respect for the league’s legacy with a clear belief in his team’s ability to write its own story. He acknowledged the challenges ahead—pointing to the weekly gauntlet of elite competition, hostile road environments, and deep rosters that define the SEC. But he also emphasized that Texas isn’t showing up to be overwhelmed. The Longhorns, in his view, are built for this moment.
The coach wasted no time highlighting the progress made during his tenure, referencing last year’s 12-win campaign, a Big 12 Championship, and a College Football Playoff berth. Those accomplishments, he argued, weren’t the end goal—they were a foundation. He spoke about building a program with sustained toughness, depth, and discipline, and how those traits are now being embedded into every layer of the team culture. To Sarkisian, the move to the SEC isn’t a reboot—it’s a continuation of growth.
That theme of readiness echoed in the words of the players who accompanied him to Atlanta. Quarterback Quinn Ewers, edge rusher Ethan Burke, and offensive lineman Kelvin Banks represented the team with poise and polish. Ewers, who returned for his junior year with unfinished business, spoke of how the intensity in the locker room has changed since the move was announced. He described a program that has stopped comparing itself to others and has started to define its own expectations internally.
The question everyone wanted answered, of course, was whether Texas can truly contend in the SEC right away. While Sarkisian didn’t offer predictions, he made it clear that Texas won’t flinch. He praised the roster’s competitive maturity, the influx of talent through recruiting and the portal, and the strides made in player development. More than once, he emphasized physicality—how critical it will be to win at the line of scrimmage, to stay healthy, and to deliver four quarters of relentless football every Saturday.
Texas’s media day presence also served as a reminder of how much the program has changed off the field. The Longhorns are now a recruiting powerhouse with national reach, thanks to elite facilities, aggressive NIL strategy, and branding power that few can match. When asked about recruiting in the SEC footprint, Sarkisian was candid: “We’ve always recruited nationally, but now it’s easier. Kids want to play in the SEC. Now, they can do that at Texas.”
Ewers, in particular, drew a lot of media attention. The junior quarterback is viewed as one of the most important figures in college football this season, and rightly so. After showing significant improvement in 2023, he now finds himself surrounded by top-tier talent, including five-star receivers and one of the best offensive lines in the country. Ewers acknowledged the pressure but welcomed it, saying, “At Texas, there’s always pressure. That’s why you come here. But I feel more prepared now than ever.”
Sarkisian’s relationship with Ewers was a recurring topic, with the coach praising his quarterback’s mental growth, improved leadership, and deepened understanding of the offense. While Arch Manning continues to garner national curiosity, Sarkisian made it clear that Ewers is “our guy” and that the team will go as far as he can take them. It was a vote of confidence not only in Ewers’ talent but in his ability to handle the scrutiny that will come with every SEC matchup.
On the defensive side, Burke offered insight into how the team is adapting to the speed and power of SEC-style football. He noted that defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski has increased the complexity of defensive looks, emphasizing disguise and adaptability. Burke said the unit is faster, stronger, and more versatile than it was a year ago—traits that will be necessary as they face some of the most dynamic offenses in the country this fall.
One of the most discussed topics during the day was the Longhorns’ schedule, which includes marquee matchups against Georgia, Texas A&M, and Florida. Sarkisian didn’t shy away from its difficulty. Instead, he embraced it. “This is what college football should be about—big games, big stages, and big moments,” he said. “If you’re a competitor, you don’t want it any other way.” That mindset, he added, is something he’s worked hard to instill in the team from day one.
Texas’s appearance at SEC Media Days also underscored the program’s readiness to embrace a larger cultural and branding role within the league. The Longhorns bring one of the most passionate fan bases, a massive television following, and a rich history. But now, they must prove that legacy still matters when measured against the grind of SEC football. Sarkisian, for his part, sounded like a man eager to prove just that.
One reporter asked Sarkisian whether Texas would maintain its identity or have to become more like an “SEC team.” His response was telling: “We don’t want to be like anyone else. We want to be the best version of Texas. That means physical, explosive, disciplined, and together. That travels in any conference.”
The theme of unity came up often throughout the day. Banks, the anchor of the offensive line, said the team’s internal accountability has never been higher. “It’s player-led now,” he explained. “We’re holding each other to a standard every day. Not just game day—every day.” That kind of leadership is critical in a league where talent is abundant and the margin for error is razor-thin.
As the media day continued, analysts and pundits took stock of Texas’s standing. Some expressed skepticism, pointing to the physical toll of SEC schedules and the need to win close games. Others believed Texas is built to hit the ground running. But nearly everyone agreed on one thing: the Longhorns are bringing real juice into the conference, and the league is stronger for it.
There’s no denying that expectations in Austin are sky-high. But unlike in years past, those expectations are being matched by preparation, personnel, and performance. Sarkisian’s words weren’t just aspirational—they were grounded in what the program has already accomplished and what it has built over the last three years. He didn’t sell hype. He sold belief.
As the Longhorns exited the stage in Atlanta, the reaction from fans and media alike was clear: Texas didn’t just show up—they arrived. The SEC stage is the biggest in college football, and the Longhorns looked right at home. What happens next will be determined on the field, but if Media Days was any indication, Texas isn’t just talking about making noise. They’re ready to make a statement. And the rest of the SEC better be listening.
